Major Irrigation Projects Research Articles

Study on the impact of major irrigation projects on rice cultivation in Telangana using remote sensing

Study on the impact of major irrigation projects on rice cultivation in Telangana using remote sensing

Role of construction of major irrigation projects on emergence of zoonotic diseases

Role of construction of major irrigation projects on emergence of zoonotic diseases

The geo-spatial perspective of biological, social and environmental determinants of early pregnancy anaemia in rural Sri Lanka: Need for context-specific approaches on prevention.

We provide a novel approach to understanding the multiple causations of maternal anaemia in a geospatial context, highlighting how genetics, environment and socioeconomic disparities at the micro-geographical level lead to the inequitable distribution of anaemia. All first-trimester pregnant women registered for the antenatal care programme in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka from July to September 2019 were invited to the Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort (RaPCo), which assessed the prevalence of anaemia in early pregnancy. The combination of the prevalence of anaemia and minor haemoglobinopathy-related anaemia (MHA) with the poverty headcount index of the 22 health divisions in the district was investigated using GeoDa spatial K-means clustering. Sociodemographic and economic data at the divisional level were compared between identified clusters. Combining the analysis with the geographical and environmental characteristics of the region, further hypotheses regarding anaemia in this community were formulated. The study included data from 3,137 pregnant women in early pregnancy. The anaemia and MHA prevalence varied from 13.6 to 21.7% and from 2.6% to 5%, respectively. We identified four distinct spatial clusters. The cluster with the highest anaemia prevalence also included high poverty and the highest prevalence of MHA. The clusters had significant differences with regard to ethnic distribution, access to water, sanitation and dietary patterns. Areas supplied by major irrigation projects had significantly low levels of anaemia, probably attributable to internal migration and improved livelihood. It was evident that genetic, socioeconomic and environmental risk factors were grouped at the divisional level, and that their complex interactions make controlling anaemia with blanket interventions unsuccessful. Analysis of the distribution of heterogeneous risk factors at the micro-geospatial level helped identify context-specific approaches to tackle anaemia in pregnancy.

Rice production in Telangana: growth, instability and decomposition analysis

One of the objectives of the study is to assess the growth of rice sector in Telangana and growth rate is the measurable indicator for assessing the growth. The present study was conducted to assess the growth rates and instability in the area, production, and yield of rice in Telangana. Also, the relative contribution of area and yield to change in output was estimated by decomposition analysis. The study is based on secondary data for a period of 30 years i.e., 1990-91 to 2019-20. The secondary data were obtained from various publications of the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of India and Directorate of Rice Development, Patna. For this study, the whole period (1990-91 to 2019-20) is divided into three sub-periods to have a period-wise examination of growth and instability patterns of the area, production, and productivity of rice and the sub-periods were as follows: period I (1990-91 to 1999-2000), period II (2000-01 to 2009-10) and period III (2010-2011 to 2019-20), and overall period (1990-91 to 2019-20). Compound Growth Rates were used to calculate the growth rates. The instability in area, production, and yield was measured with Cuddy Della Valle Index and Coppock's Instability. The study revealed that the growth rates for Telangana in the overall period were positive for the area, production, and yield (2.1%, 3.7%, and 1.5% respectively). The Cuddy Della Valle Index for the overall period registered higher, medium, and low instability for production (35.1), area (26.4), and yield (7.6) respectively. Coppock's Instability indices revealed that the degree of instability for area and production was higher during period III in comparison to periods I and II. One of the major reasons for this could be the increased area under rice in period III, because of the assured irrigation due to the completion of many major and minor irrigation projects and revival of tanks under Mission Kakatiya in Telangana. The decomposition analysis for the overall period (1990-91 to 2019-20) revealed that the area effect was highly responsible for the production variability (46.1 percent) in Telangana. The area effect in enhancing rice production increased over some time. Since the scope to further increase the area under rice cultivation is limited, the focus should be on the improvement of the yield to meet the future demand for rice.

Assessing the Operational Performance and Stakeholders’ Perceptions on the Management of Three Irrigation Projects in Kano, Nigeria

A study was conducted to assess the level of operational performance and stakeholders’ participation in, and perceptions on, the management of three major irrigation projects in Kano State, Nigeria (Kano River Irrigation Project KRIP, Watari Irrigation Project WIP and Tomas Irrigation Project TIP). The study uses questionnaire, site visit and focus group discussions during the 2019/2020 irrigation season to generate crucial information related to the hydraulic infrastructures and operational performances. The study identified some problems related to operational performance affecting the three irrigation projects including illegal water use, faulty water conveyance infrastructures and conflict among water users and between water users and managers. Moreover, the study observed that a continuous flow water allocation method is being used in all three irrigation projects, leading to poor water allocation performance. Based on this, the study recommends a rotation water allocation method. About 50% of the total water users from KRIP, WIP and TIP do not participate in the maintenance of the irrigation infrastructures. The study revealed that the majority of the farmers have no confidence in water managers’ competence whereas water managers accused irrigators to lack enthusiasm and provided evidence of unlawful water usage as about 12, 8 and 39% of the irrigators from KRIP, WIP and TIP admitted to having been lifting water using pumps which have been considered as illegal since their farms were initially considered non-irrigable. Some of the underlying issues that led to these problems include lack of sensitization and awareness campaigns, seminars and workshops to facilitate farmers’ involvement in the maintenance of irrigation infrastructures. This can be achieved through sensitization and awareness campaigns to enlighten farmers on resolving conflicts, efficient use of limited water, and facilitating water users’ participation in irrigation management activities such as agency-farmer joint management. If such dialogue programs do not bring an end to these problems, other law enforcement measures such as legal actions need to be deployed. It is, therefore, recommended that the existing irrigation project management strategies need to be changed with new ones that encourage sensitization campaigns, law enforcement and participation. Also, in-depth coupled human-water interaction studies (socio-hydrology) need to be conducted to gain insights and propose solutions that could lead to sustainable irrigation system management and operation.

Large scale reservoir operation through integrated meta-heuristic approach

Reservoir optimization models are often large-scale, having a complex, nonlinear, multi-dimensional structure, which poses a challenge for classical methods for their solution. This has encouraged the researchers to focus on Meta-heuristic which due to their flexible and adaptive nature have been successful in solving a plethora of real-life optimization problems. This study brings forward an implementation and comparison of six well-known Meta-heuristics namely: Simulated Annealing, Genetic Algorithms, Particle Swarm Optimization, Differential Evolution, Artificial Bee Colony, and Cuckoo Search and an integrated version of these algorithms with dynamic programming for optimizing the reservoir operations policy. In addition, two adaptive variants of DE named: FCADE2 and SaDE are also considered for the comparison. The case study considered for Mula reservoir supplying water to Major Irrigation Project on River Mula (Godavari basin), Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, India. The objective is to determine the optimum release policy for Mula reservoir. Performance of the algorithms is analysed on two data sets (1) single year and (2) 30-years.

Role of Irrigation in Development: The Rajasthan Experience

Rajasthan is the largest state of India in terms of area and it covers about 10.4% of the total area of India but only 1.04% of the water resources, hence there is lack of water resources for 70% of the state's agricultural economy. The uncertainty of the monsoon creates problems of employment and irregularity along with hindering the development of agriculture. Such problems have revealed an important requirement of irrigation in the state. The paper will explain about the main sources, needs and importance of irrigation in Rajasthan. The study also focuses on the area irrigated by irrigation resources in Rajasthan. Main irrigation projects of Rajasthan like interstate multipurpose river valley projects of Rajasthan, major irrigation projects of Rajasthan, medium projects of Rajasthan, minor irrigation projects of Rajasthan are explained properly with facts and figures in the study. The paper also highlights the development of irrigation during plans and its progress in gross irrigated area in Rajasthan. Allocation of expenses of public sector irrigation and flood control under the five-year plans in Rajasthan were part of the study. In the last paper ended explaining about the barriers to irrigation development, suggestions and conclusion. Financial difficulty, rising cost of irrigation projects, problem of full utilization of irrigation potential, reservoir problems, inter-State disputes, problem of environmental protection, corruption, red tape and political partisanship, unnecessary delay are the various problems faced by the farmers. To overcome these problem suggestions given like government should focus on mobilizing more resources, seek foreign cooperation, control over corruption, careful use of water and proper drainage system, disputes should be settled quickly and without political pressure, timely completion of projects, etc.

Efficiency of Al- Sabla Major Irrigation Project and its investments

تناول البحث مشروع السابلة الكبيرة والذي يعد من المشاريع الكبيرة التي تغطي مساحات زراعية كبيرة من الأراضي التابعة إلى شعبة زراعة الرفاعي في شمال محافظة ذي قار وجنوب محافظة ميسان إذ بلغت المساحة الكلية للأراضي الزراعية (324156/دونم) منها ( 138127/دونم) صالحة للزراعة في حين المساحة غير الصالحة للزراعة تقدر (186029/دونم),كما ان المشروع يصل بمياهه إلى اراضي زراعيه تقع في الجهات الغربية ليجري مسافه بداية حدود تفرعه إلى نهاياته مسافة 60كم, لذلك درست المشروع في ثلاثة مباحث خصص المبحث الاول للاطار النظري وأهمية منطقة الدراسة وتناول المبحث الثاني المقومات الطبيعية لمنطقة الدراسة والدراسة الجغرافية للمشروع وكذلك مصدر مياهه وانحدار الارض والاتجاه الذي يجري نحوه المشروع وتاريخ انشائه ومراحل تطوره وتفرعاته وتناول المبحث الثالث الاحتياجات المائية لمنطقة الدراسة وكفاءة المشروع والمشاكل والحلول.

Soils of Thotapalli Major Irrigation Project of North- Coastal Andhra Pradesh: Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical and chemical properties of the soils were assessed for the ayacut area of Thotapalli major irrigation project of North-Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Six representative soil pedons were studied in Devarapalli, Gujjangivalasa, Patikivalasa, Gangada, Aamiti and Maddivalasa villages falling in ayacut area of Thotapalli major irrigation project. The soil texture ranged from sandy loam to sandy clay loam in upland pedons while sandy clay loam to clay in pedons under cultivated plains. In general, relatively low bulk density was recorded at surface horizons compared to sub-surface layers. Maximum water holding capacity, pore space and volume expansion increased with soil depth. The soils were acidic to alkaline in reaction, non-saline, low to medium in organic carbon content. The CEC ranged from 6.4 to 32.5 cmol (p+) kg-1. The soil exchange complex was dominated by calcium followed by magnesium, sodium and potassium. The soils were found to be low in nitrogen, low to medium in phosphorus and medium to high in available potassium status. Manganese and copper were sufficient but zinc and iron were deficient in soils. The total silica (SiO2) content of pedons varied from 48.10 to 71.40 per cent. Sesquioxide (R2O3) and the molar ratio of SiO2 / R2O3 ranged from 19.01 to 32.4 per cent and varied from 3.74 to 6.59, respectively in different pedons. The SiO2 / Al2O3 ratio and the SiO2 / Fe2O3 ratio varied from 4.43 to 7.65 and from 13.7 to 47.8, respectively. A significant positive correlation of clay content with cation exchange capacity (CEC), maximum water holding capacity (MWHC) was observed. Sand content was positively correlated with silica and negatively correlated with MWHC and volume expansion. Soil organic carbon had a significant positive correlation with soil pore space, available nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper and iron, but a negative correlation with soil bulk density. Soil pH was positively correlated with CaCO3 but negatively correlated with available phosphorous, potassium, zinc, manganese, and copper and iron. Soil CaCO3 content was negatively correlated with available phosphorous, potassium, zinc, manganese and copper and iron of the soil.

Soils of Thotapalli Major Irrigation Project of North-Coastal Andhra Pradesh: Characterization and Classification

Six representative pedons from Devarapalli (P1), Gujjangivalasa (P2), Patikivalasa (P3), Gangada (P4), Aamiti (P5) and Maddivalasa (P6) villages belonging to ayacut of Thotapalli major irrigation project of North-Coastal Andhra Pradesh were studied. Pedons 1, 2 and 5 were developed from granite-gneiss, while pedons 3, 4 and 6 had their parent legacy with granite-gneiss mixed with calcareous murrum. The soils of P1 and P2 were moderately deep to very deep having argillic horizon while cambic sub-surface diagnostic horizon was noticed in P3, P4 and P5. Deep and wide surface cracks and slickensides close enough to intersect were observed in P4 and P6. The pedons P1, P2, P3 and P5 had sandy loam to sandy clay loam texure and it was clay loam to clay in cultivated plains (P4 and P6). The soils were low to medium in organic carbon content. The CEC ranged from 6.4 to 32.5 cmol (p+) kg-1 and the soil exchange complex was dominated by calcium followed by magnesium, sodium and potassium. The ratio of CEC/ clay was low in P2, medium in P1, P3 and P5 and high in P4. Devararapalli pedon was classified as Typic Haplustalfs, Gujjangivalasa as Typic Haplustults, Patikivalasa and Amiti as Typic Haplustepts, Gangada as Vertic Haplustepts and Maddivalas as Chromic Haplusterts.

Soils of Thotapalli Major Irrigation Project of North- Coastal Andhra Pradesh: Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical and chemical properties of the soils were assessed for the ayacut area of Thotapalli major irrigation project of North-Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Six representative soil pedons were studied in Devarapalli, Gujjangivalasa, Patikivalasa, Gangada, Aamiti and Maddivalasa villages falling in ayacut area of Thotapalli major irrigation project. The soil texture ranged from sandy loam to sandy clay loam in upland pedons while sandy clay loam to clay in pedons under cultivated plains. In general, relatively low bulk density was recorded at surface horizons compared to sub-surface layers. Maximum water holding capacity, pore space and volume expansion increased with soil depth. The soils were acidic to alkaline in reaction, non-saline, low to medium in organic carbon content. The CEC ranged from 6.4 to 32.5 cmol (p+) kg-1. The soil exchange complex was dominated by calcium followed by magnesium, sodium and potassium. The soils were found to be low in nitrogen, low to medium in phosphorus and medium to high in available potassium status. Manganese and copper were sufficient but zinc and iron were deficient in soils. The total silica (SiO2) content of pedons varied from 48.10 to 71.40 per cent. Sesquioxide (R2O3) and the molar ratio of SiO2 / R2O3 ranged from 19.01 to 32.4 per cent and varied from 3.74 to 6.59, respectively in different pedons. The SiO2 / Al2O3 ratio and the SiO2 / Fe2O3 ratio varied from 4.43 to 7.65 and from 13.7 to 47.8, respectively. A significant positive correlation of clay content with cation exchange capacity (CEC), maximum water holding capacity (MWHC) was observed. Sand content was positively correlated with silica and negatively correlated with MWHC and volume expansion. Soil organic carbon had a significant positive correlation with soil pore space, available nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper and iron, but a negative correlation with soil bulk density. Soil pH was positively correlated with CaCO3 but negatively correlated with available phosphorous, potassium, zinc, manganese, and copper and iron. Soil CaCO3 content was negatively correlated with available phosphorous, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper and iron of the soil.

Land capability and irrigability classification of soils of Thotapalli major irrigation project of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh

Land capability and irrigability classification of soils of Thotapalli major irrigation project of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh

The Social Construction of Water Scarcity: An Exploration Study along the “Bharathapuzha” in Kerala

Water scarcity is a very critical issue in the context of sustainability and global environmental change. However, the notion of scarcity also has its local roots that are constructed by diverse actors with specific values, knowledge and interests. This paper explores the socially constructed nature of water scarcity among diverse social actors along the river basin of Bharathapuzha in Kerala. It also examines the diverse contextual factors that have affected the traditional land and water management practices in the river basin. This paper is based on qualitative research carried out among two villages along the river basin. The findings of this paper show that the river basin is extremely prone to drought-like situations and multiple forms of water scarcity surfaces in the discourses and discursive practices of social actors associated with the socio-ecological system. Further, these discursive practices are guided by the instrumental rationality of technological modernisation and progress, which has not only disrupted the traditional water management systems in the region, but also have completely neglected the ecosystem linkages and carrying capacities of vulnerable resource systems. The state-induced and expert-driven images of modernity such as dams, concrete check dams and major irrigation projects have replaced the traditional imagery of the river as a vibrant and ever-flowing life source. Water scarcity and other related forms of scarcity mediate these transitions. These processes have long-term implications on the sustainability of the river itself.

Utilizing GRACE and GLDAS data for estimating groundwater storage variability over the Krishna Basin

Abstract. Groundwater is utilized intensively as a source of fresh water for irrigation and human needs. Hence, it is necessary to monitor groundwater storage for water security of the region in the future. The present study aims to evaluate the groundwater resource over the Krishna basin in South India. The basin comprises of 210 major and medium irrigation projects, which makes it important to evaluate the groundwater balance for a sustainable groundwater draft. This study evaluates the trend in groundwater anomaly derived from GRACE mascon product. Results indicate that the Krishna basin is subjected to a strong decline in groundwater at a rate of 0.34 cm per year. Further, the study explores the seasonality of precipitation and its effect on groundwater by adopting an entropy-based approach. Results indicate the combined effect of delay in precipitation to attain peak and reduced duration of the wet season as a primary reason for the decline in the groundwater storage. The result shows that the reduction in groundwater storage affects the evapotranspiration over the region.

Analysis of land use and climate change impacts by comparing river flow records for headwaters and lowland reaches

The natural flow regime of rivers has been strongly altered world-wide, resulting in ecosystem degradation and lakes drying up, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Determining whether this is due mainly to climate change or to water withdrawal for direct human use (e.g. irrigation) is difficult, particularly for saline lake basins where hydrology data are scarce. In this study, we developed an approach for assessing climate and land use change impacts based on river flow records for headwater and lowland reaches of rivers, using the case of Lake Urmia basin, in north-westen Iran. Flow regimes at upstream and downstream stations were studied before and after major dam construction and irrigation projects. Data from 57 stations were used to establish five different time intervals representing 10 different land use development periods (scenarios) for upstream (not impacted) and downstream (impacted) systems. An existing river impact (RI) index was used to assess changes in three main characteristics of flow (magnitude, timing and, intra-annual variability). The results showed that irrigation was by far the main driving force for river flow regime changes in the lake basin. All stations close to the lake and on adjacent plains showed significantly higher impacts of land use change than headwaters. As headwaters are relatively unaffected by agriculture, the non-significant changes observed in headwater flow regimes indicate a minor effect of climate change on river flows in the region. The benefit of the method developed is clear interpretation of results based on river flow records, which is useful in communicating land use and climate change information to decision makers and lake restoration planners.

Impact of Public Investment in Irrigation Projects on Food Grain Productivity

The behaviour of agricultural investment inspired to investigate the true relationship between public investment and agricultural productivity. The present study attempted to examine the nature and extent of disparity in public investment in major and medium irrigation projects across states and to examine the long-run effect of public investment in major and medium irrigation in food grain productivity across the major states of India. The analysis showed that disparity among the states on the basis of expenditure on per hectare of gross cropped area in each state was marginally increased over the plan periods. The results obtained from Polynomial Distributed Lag (PDL) model showed that in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Orissa, a lag of six years was observed in attaining the 100 percent effect of public investment (major and medium irrigation) on food grain productivity while in Gujarat a lag of 9 years was observed. In Kerala, a lag of 11 years, Maharashtra and Rajasthan a lag of 7 years was observed. West Bengal, Punjab and Assam, a lag of 12 years was observed for realising the 100 percent effect of public investment in major and medium irrigation on food grain productivity.

Reclamation and management of water-logged saline soils

Waterlogged saline soils characterized by shallow water table ( 4 dS m−1) in the root zone depth are encountered in irrigated lands of major and medium irrigation projects. Nonwaterlogged saline soils, encountered in areas where poor quality ground water is used for irrigation, have similar characteristics but the water table is deep. The productivity in both cases goes down over the years, ultimately the soils going out of cultivation. Both kinds of soils spread over an area of 2.73 million ha are amenable to reclamation. The current paper describes the components of reclamation and management package to reclaim waterlogged saline lands. The same package albeit the subsurface drainage component is valid for non-waterlogged saline lands. Guidelines to implement reclamation package comprising of subsurface drainage, on-farm development and leaching are discussed. Various components of the management package comprising of crop management, soil management, irrigation water management, chemical management and rainwater management are included with appropriate data on crop tolerance. Results of pilot area research where proposed reclamation and management package were introduced reveal that the package is capable to control water table, lower soil ECe and improve crop yields for all test crops. Specific examples of rice, wheat and cotton, the three most important crops of the region are included showing more than 100% increase in crops yield at several places. Cropping intensity increased at all the sites, at several places going up from 0.0 before reclamation to 200% after the introduction of package. The cost of the package on an average is Rs. 55,000 ha−1. The Benefit-Cost Ratio varies from 1.2 to 3.5 while payback period in most cases is 3–5 years. Since similar conditions prevail in southwest Punjab, the package has the potential to alleviate problems of water logging and soil salinity in this region. A long-term master plan needs to be developed to fight the twin menaces.

The Study of Impacts of Irrigation on Socio-Economical Status Around KRS DAM, India

India has made impressive strides on the agricultural front during the last three decades. Much of the credit for this success should go to the several million small farming families that form the backbone of Indian agriculture and economy. Increased agricultural productivity and rapid industrial growth in the recent years have contributed to a significant reduction in poverty level, from 55 percent in 1973 to 26 percent in 1998. Despite the impressive growth and development, India is still home to the largest number of poor people of the world. India will be required to produce more and more from less and less land and water resources. Alarming rates of ground water depletion and serious environmental and social problems of some of the major irrigation projects on one hand. In fact irrigation has proved a catalyst of improved agriculture in certain large areas of the country, especially where cash crops are grown. Investment on irrigation leads to multiple benefits both at the micro and at the macro levels. In the present study aim has been made to study socio economic impact of the irrigated area with that of the unirrigated area. There is a large difference in the socio economic status between the two said situations, where in one place, due to irrigation there is economic progress and in other it is static or with little change. However, with this economic change we expect to see a gradual change in the social, cultural and traditional front.

Challenge and response in the São Francisco River Basin

The São Francisco River has been, and continues to be, the only major river in arid Northeast Brazil and, as such, continues to be a major focus for development policy in this poorest part of the country. In a context of persistent water scarcity and recurring drought, the imperative is to develop a water development and management framework capable of simultaneously creating a platform for growth, dealing with distributive conflicts and ensuring rational usage. Addressing this challenge has been complicated by the multi-layered institutions of Brazilian federalism. This paper traces the development of the institutional framework for water management in the São Francisco Basin, highlighting the role of both local innovation and the pressures of federal centralization. The single most important policy debate currently affecting the basin is an ambitious inter-basin transfer project that aims to provide secure water supply to major cities and irrigation projects in neighboring basins. The paper provides an in-depth analysis of the project, with a special focus on understanding the policy process underpinning the project. This analysis anchors the discussion in the difficult dilemmas currently faced by policymakers and gives some insights into the actual functioning of a complex and sometimes ambiguous institutional set-up.

Dynamics of Transformation: Insights from an Exploratory Review of Rice Farming in the Kpong Irrigation Project

Agriculture in African South of the Sahara (SSA) can be transformed if the right public support is provided at the initial stage, and it can sustain itself once the enabling environment is put in place. Successes are also specific to the location of projects. In Ghana, interesting insights are obtained from the successful Kpong Irrigation Project (KIP), contrasted with other major irrigation projects in the country. Through an exploratory review, we describe how a productive system evolved in KIP and how public support for critical aspects (accumulation of crop husbandry knowledge, selection and supply of profitable varieties, and mechanization of land preparation) might have created a productive environment that the private sector could enter and fill in the market for credit, processing, mechanization of harvesting, and other institutional voids that typically have constrained agricultural transformation in the rest of SSA. Slower progress in other projects also raises a number of questions. We conclude by summarizing those questions and some testable hypotheses for future research.