AN OVERVIEW OF INDIAN TRADITIONAL IRRIGATION SYSTEMS FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

Authors

  • Subhankar Debnath , Sirisha Adamala , Mahesh Palakuru

Abstract

This study presents the various ingenious ways of traditional irrigation systems, which have been designed and
implemented regionally or locally by Indian farmers for about 5000 years. The three common forms of irrigation
systems found in India are water channels, wells and tanks. The design of these systems is mainly based on the
availability of water source, climate, topography and location characteristics. Therefore, the nomenclature of
these irrigation systems differ from one place to other. India had a rich history in using these traditional
irrigation systems long ago, but this tradition is now waning due to various reasons, such as British colonial
rule, shifting away from community based systems, and natures fury like floods, droughts, famine, and
hurricanes. Further, many of these systems are becoming extinct due to the modern irrigation systems that have
been subsidized by the government in recent years. However, some of the systems, like Arhar-pyne, Haveli,
Flood/Inundation, Bamboo irrigation, Apatani, Surangam, Eri, Bavdis, Cheruvu, etc., are continuing to irrigate
substantial areas even today, which shows their superior design and construction over many mega irrigation
structures. Therefore, before concentrating on promoting new technologies, it is appropriate and even necessary
to respect the existing physical structures of irrigation systems

Published

2020-12-01

How to Cite

Subhankar Debnath , Sirisha Adamala , Mahesh Palakuru. (2020). AN OVERVIEW OF INDIAN TRADITIONAL IRRIGATION SYSTEMS FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES. International Journal of Modern Agriculture, 9(4), 12 - 22. Retrieved from https://modern-journals.com/index.php/ijma/article/view/178

Issue

Section

Articles