Chapter 1 - Introduction

Abstract

Irrigation sector is the major user of fresh water resources in the world. Almost 75% of fresh water is being used for irrigating crops. Irrigation management is, therefore, a major challenge now and will continue to be so in the near future. Adequate irrigation planning for the judicious use of water in the agricultural sector for sustaining agricultural growth thus becomes essential. The judicious use of water for crop production requires considerable knowledge of the weather, soil, crop physiology, water availability and quality, and drainage in relation to crops. It may also be noted that approximately 30%–50% of water is generally lost due to inefficient irrigation systems starting from the water diversion to the head canal all the way up to the agricultural field. This book discusses these aspects, and this chapter provides an elementary discussion of irrigation and its definition, function, advantages, and disadvantages, followed by an overview of irrigation planning and evaluation.