Underline the changes happening gradually in the sources of irrigation in U.P.

Irrigation plays a very important role in agriculture, especially in a state like Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), where a large part of the population depends on farming. Irrigation means supplying water to crops at the right time and in the right quantity. In earlier times, farmers depended mainly on rainfall for their crops. But now, with technological advancements and population growth, various new methods of irrigation have developed. Over the years, the sources of irrigation in U.P. have changed gradually. Traditional methods are now being replaced by modern ones. the historical background, present status, and gradual changes in the irrigation system of U.P., along with their causes and effects on agriculture.

Traditional Sources of Irrigation in Uttar Pradesh

In the past, farmers in U.P. mostly used natural sources of water for irrigation. Some of the major traditional sources were:

1.Wells
Wells were the most common source. Farmers used to dig wells manually and use buckets or pulleys to draw water.

2.Tanks and Ponds
Water was stored in tanks and ponds during the monsoon and later used for irrigation.

3.Canals
Large canal systems were built during the British period. These canals were fed by rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, and Ghaghara.

4.Rivers and Streams
In areas close to rivers, farmers used to divert river water using small channels or bunds.

Modern Sources of Irrigation in U.P.

With the Green Revolution, industrial development, and rural electrification, new sources of irrigation came into use. Some of these are:

1.Tube Wells (Electric and Diesel Operated)
Tube wells are deep underground wells fitted with motor pumps. They can draw large quantities of water quickly and are more reliable than traditional wells.

2.Pump Sets
Electric or diesel pumps are now used to draw water from wells, canals, and rivers.

3.Sprinkler Irrigation
In this method, water is sprayed over crops like rain. It saves water and is effective for uneven land.

4.Drip Irrigation
This method provides water directly to the roots of the plants drop by drop. It saves a lot of water and is ideal for horticulture and vegetable crops.

5.Bore Wells and Submersible Pumps
These go deeper than tube wells and are more efficient, especially in areas where the water table is low.

Changes Happening Gradually in Irrigation Sources

There have been several gradual but important changes in the sources and patterns of irrigation in U.P. These changes are influenced by technological, environmental, and economic factors.

1. Shift from Canal to Tube Well Irrigation

• Earlier Dominance of Canals: Until the mid-20th century, canal irrigation was the main source, especially in western and central U.P.
• Decline of Canal Use: With the spread of electricity and diesel engines, tube wells became more popular because they could provide water on demand.
• Present Trend: Now, more than 70% of the irrigated land in U.P. depends on tube wells. Canals are used less due to poor maintenance and water loss.

2. Increase in Groundwater Use

• Farmers now depend more on groundwater through tube wells and bore wells.
• This has led to over-extraction in many regions like western U.P., causing the water table to fall.
• In some areas, the groundwater has become saline or contaminated, affecting crop yield.

3. Rise of Modern Irrigation Techniques

• Farmers, especially those with small landholdings or high-value crops, are now adopting sprinkler and drip irrigation.
• These methods are promoted by the government due to their water-saving benefits.
• Use is more common in Bundelkhand, eastern U.P., and some peri-urban areas where water scarcity is serious.

4. Dependence on Electricity and Diesel

• Earlier, water was lifted manually or by bullocks. Now, electric pumps and diesel pump sets are used widely.
• This has increased the cost of irrigation, especially due to rising diesel prices and power shortages in rural areas.
• There is a need for solar-powered irrigation to make it more sustainable.

5. Government and Private Sector Role

• Government schemes like PM-KUSUM, Per Drop More Crop, and subsidies on drip/sprinkler systems have encouraged modern irrigation.
• Private players have also entered, offering irrigation equipment and services on rent or through cooperatives.

6. Regional Variations

• In Western U.P., groundwater irrigation is more developed due to better electricity access and rich farmers.
• In Eastern U.P., canal and traditional sources are still used, though tube well use is rising.
• In Bundelkhand, due to rocky terrain and water shortage, the government is promoting rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation.

Factors Driving These Changes

Several reasons are responsible for the gradual changes in irrigation sources in U.P.:

1.Technological Advancements

o   Availability of electric and diesel pump sets.

o   Affordable drilling of tube wells and bore wells.

2.Population Pressure and Land Fragmentation

o   Small landholdings make canal use difficult.

o   Farmers prefer independent irrigation sources.

3.Climate Change and Erratic Rainfall

o   Unpredictable monsoons have made rain-fed farming risky.

o   Irrigation is now a necessity, not a choice.

4.Government Policies and Subsidies

o   Incentives for adopting efficient irrigation methods.

o   Investments in canal modernization and micro-irrigation.

5.Rising Crop Demands

o   High-yielding varieties and cash crops need more water.

o   Farmers need assured irrigation to meet market demands.

Problems Due to These Changes

While these changes have improved irrigation, they have also created some problems:

1.Overuse of Groundwater

o   Water table is falling in many districts.

o   It may lead to a future water crisis.

2.Inequity Among Farmers

o   Rich farmers can afford bore wells, but poor farmers cannot.

o   Canals could have served all, but are neglected.

3.High Cost of Irrigation

o   Diesel prices are rising.

o   Electricity supply is irregular and expensive.

4.Environmental Degradation

o   Falling water table, drying ponds, and rivers.

o   Loss of traditional water harvesting systems.

Solutions and Future Possibilities

To deal with these challenges and improve irrigation, the following steps can be taken:

1. Revival of Canal System

• Repairing and maintaining canals.
• Lining canals to avoid seepage and water loss.

2. Promotion of Water-Saving Technologies

• Encourage drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.
• Provide more subsidies to small farmers.

3. Use of Solar Pumps

• Solar-powered pumps can reduce dependence on electricity and diesel.
• Many pilot projects in Bundelkhand have shown good results.

4. Water Conservation Measures

• Encourage rainwater harvesting in villages and cities.
• Promote water budgeting at the panchayat level.

5. Awareness and Training

• Train farmers on how to use water efficiently.
• Promote crop patterns that require less water.

6. Regulation of Groundwater Use

• Strict rules on digging new tube wells in water-stressed areas.
• Encourage community-based groundwater management.

The irrigation system in Uttar Pradesh is undergoing gradual but significant changes. The state has moved from traditional canal and well systems to modern tube wells and pump sets. While this has helped increase agricultural productivity, it has also created problems like groundwater overuse and rising irrigation costs.

Going forward, U.P. needs a balanced irrigation strategy that combines modern technology, traditional wisdom, and environmental sustainability. The role of the government, private sector, and farmers is all equally important. Only then can irrigation in U.P. support the dreams of farmers and ensure food security for the nation.