1.11.4. Irrigation

Although India has made considerable progress in developing irrigation infrastructure, irrigation efficiency is low for both surface and ground waters. In order to help the rainfed farmers improve productivity and profitability, in situ soil and water conservation practices are developed for different agro-climatic regions with special emphasis on effective rainwater management. The central government initiated the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) in 1996-7 for extending assistance for the completion of incomplete irrigation schemes. Besides, the Command Area Development Programme has also been amalgamated with the AIBP to reduce the gap between irrigation potential that has created and that is utilized.