question_answer

Explain the importance of Indira Gandhi Canal for providing water for irrigation in the Canal Command area.

Answer:

Indira Gandhi Canal, previously known as the Rajasthan Canal, is one of the largest canal systems in India. Introduction of canal irrigation has brought about a large scale transformation in the agricultural economy of the region.

(i) Soil moisture has been a limiting factor in successful growing of crops in this area. Spread of canal irrigation has led to increase in cultivated area and intensity of cropping.

(ii) The traditional crops sown in the area, gram, bajra and jowar have been replaced by wheat, cotton, groundnut and rice. This is the result of intensive irrigation.

(iii) This intensive irrigation, has led to tremendous increase in agricultural and livestock productivity.

(iv) The crops can be grown every year with the help of canal water.