Irrigation and state in Kashmir (1947–1989)

Abstract

Irrigation facilities have direct bearing on the peasant economy of a region, in Kashmir also the nature of agriculture and its growth and development had largely remained dependent on irrigation infrastructure. In fact, the State and Society had equal stakes in agricultural development andcould hardly ignore the necessity of improving and developing irrigation facilities. Not surprisingly therefore, the prominent literary sources on the region like Rajatarangini are replete with evidences indicating that irrigation development remained a top priority for the rulers of Kashmir in ancient and medieval times. Based on archival source this paper attempts to highlight the role of the state in irrigation development after 1947. The irrigation strategy of the state is critically evaluated together with the impact that irrigation programs of the states had on cropping pattern and food production.