An Analysis of Development of Irrigation Facilities in Rajasthan

Today water plays an important role in All Sectors. Water is mostly used for irrigation purpose in India. The rainfall over the country is unequal, irregular. Therefore, in order to meet the water requirement of the crops, it is very essential to provide facilities for irrigation. The multiple cropping patterns can only be possible if there is sufficient irrigation water. Irrigation was developed in five years plans but it was contrary to what was hoped. Development was not done equally in all states, thus, paving a way for regional disparities. Rajasthan is geographically the largest state of India. Its geographical area is 3,42,239 sq. km which is 10.42 per cent of the country and where 5.67 per cent of population resides but the surface water of this part is just 1 per cent of the total surface water of the country. Rajasthan is an agriculture dominant state; its 65 per cent of population is dependent on agriculture therefore in the state water is used the most for irrigation for agriculture and so the government emphasized on irrigation in five years plan. It has led to the increase of irrigated area, agricultural production has also increased by disparities have been found due to unequal distribution of irrigation facilities, moreover, the development of irrigation was not proper.