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Chapter – Iv Irrigation Technology

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Chapter – IV

IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY

4.0 Introduction

4.0.1 Restriction And Circumstances for Development of Irrigation

Technology

4.0.2 General Characteristics of Irrigation Technology

4.1 Irrigation Sources

4.1.1 Left Irrigation Technology

4.1.1.1 Definition of lift Irrigation Technology

4.1.1.2 Historical Background of Lift Irrigation Technology

4.1.1.3 System of Left Irrigation Schemes.

4.1.1.4 Extent of lift Irrigation

4.1.1.5 Schemes of Left Irrigation

4.1.1.6 Intensity of Lift Irrigation

4.1.1.7 Impact Analysis of Lift Irrigation Technology

I) Positive Impact of Left Irrigation Technology

a) Nimsakhar A micro Level Analysis

II) Negative Impact of Lift Irrigation Technology


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a) Development of saline soils Bhandgaon

A micro Level Analysis

4.1.1.8 Measures Adopted to Recover Land

4.1.2 Well Irrigation

4.1.2.1 Pattern of Regional Distribution

4.1.2.2 Intensity of well Irrigation

4.1.2.3 Density of well Irrigation

4.1.2.4 Cost-Benefit Analysis of well and Lift Irrigation

Schemes

4.1.2.5 Cost Benefit Analysis

4.1.3 Canal Irrigation

4.1.3.1 Pattern of regional distribution of Canal Irrigation

4.1.3.2 Intensity of canal Irrigation

4.1.4 Tank Irrigation

4.1.4.1 Distribution of Tank

4.1.4.2 ShetphalHaweli A Micro Level Analysis

4.2 Methods of Irrigation

4.2.1 Introduction

4.2.2 Surface Irrigation Methods


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4.2.3 Technological Irrigation Methods

A) Drip Irrigation

I) Definition of Drip Irrigation Technology

II) Historical Background

III) Components of Drip Irrigation

IV) Distribution of Drip Irrigation

V) Economics of Drip Irrigation

a) Crop wise Economy of Drip Irrigation technology

VI) Advantages of Drip Irrigation Technology

VII) Limitations to the Growth of Drip Irrigation

4.3 Water Storage Technology

4.3.1 Water Storage Agricultural Pond

4.3.2 Water Storage Pits

4.4 Summary

References


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Chapter – IV

IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY

4.0 Introduction

The economic base of the country depends on agriculture. In order to increase the

agriculture yield, one should not depend upon rainfall alone. A proper water supply

would meet the requirement.Water is an important element for increasing the agricultural

production. Natural or artificial application of water to soil for the purpose of moisture

and the timely application of water for the growth and production of plants will depends

largely on the implementation of various irrigation projects .Water is a basic resource on

earth for all living organisms including mankind and for development and survival of

plant community. Environment process of biosphere is also regulated by water.

Normally, groundwater and surface water are used for irrigation and when water

available in these sources is taken away artificially by flowing it for supplying water in

required quantity to crops, it is called irrigation. Irrigation is a primary input for

agricultural production. If an area is facilitated with irrigation water agricultural sector is

positively affected. If there is no proper water supply then the use of fertilizer, seeds,

pesticides etc. will not be useful for the yield.

Irrigation is a lifeline of agriculture especially in the drought prone zone

according to many scholars and planners like singh (1992), Saptarsh (1993), Bhagat

(2002), Kadam (2002), Jadhav and Ajagekar (1993). The Rangarajan committee has been

suggested in the report 2006-07 that agricultural sector should be prominent by attending

irrigation and electricity facilities. Irrigation facility is basic factor and it encourages

other important factors like implementation of modern technology in agriculture use of

chemical fertilizer, pesticides, HYV seeds etc. Thus irrigation is the important basic

factors in the agriculture. Irrigation constitutes one of the most effective technical means


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of raising agricultural production in the rainfall is both inadequate and unpredictable, it

affects badly on agricultural productivity. The need of irrigation water is always

advocated because deficiencies of climate constrain growth in agricultural sector. It has

been observed that the application of irrigation water helps in stabilizing production

under ceteris paribus condition. As a consequence, it has potentiality to bring

transformation in land use, cropping pattern, techniques of production or productivity and

also in occupational structure. These transformations in agricultural sector may also bring

change in the socio-economic structure of an economy because of direct and spin-off

effects of growth in irrigation (Neel Mani P. Verma, 1993).

Where irrigation by gravity is possible much of the work of installing the facilities

can be carried out by manual labour, though there is an obvious economic advantage,

even in countries with very low wage levels in using in using technical aids in the

constructional and earthmoving work. Where the necessary water cannot be brought to

the land to be irrigated solely by the force of gravity, it is necessary to use pumping

installation. These were in former times and to some extent still are today, driven by

human and animal muscle power. Mechanical sources of power have considerably

increased the efficiency of water pumping and have extended the use of irrigation by

making it possible to use ground water located at considerable depth and with the aid of

sprinkling arrangements, to bring irrigation to areas that could otherwise not have been

brought under cultivation except at uneconomically high cost. There is still a very large

potential field for development by means of this system.

Agricultural development is a complex undertaking because of the numerous

factors involved including those of physical and non physical nature. Lack of irrigation

facility is generally considered to be the obstacle in modernization agriculture and the

areas which continue to lag behind in agricultural production are those where irrigation

potential is the least. It has advantage of assured irrigation in using other modern farm

inputs in the context of increasing agricultural productivity and raising the level of rural

living. (Sangle, G.K. 1984)

Definition of Irrigation -


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1) “Artificial water supply in proper ratio and at proper time for agricultural

purposes is called Irrigation.”

2) Contor (1967) defined; “irrigation as the artificial application of water to the

soil for crop production. It has been therefore, considered as one of the

important technology components of progressive agriculture”.

3) Andreae,( 1975) “The artificial application of water to land for growing crops

is known by the term irrigation.Artificial watering affects the entire

organization of the farm increasing production. However, the transformation

partly or fully depends on the nature and mode of irrigation. (well, canal, lift

and tank) which depends largely on physiographic and climatic condition of a

region”.

4) According to Peter wales “Irrigation is an artificial means of watering the

crops or plants or an art of supplying water to the crop.”

5) “Irrigation is a lucid term popularly defined as the application of water by

either human being or by machines in the process of agricultural production”.(

Neel Mani P. Varma, 1993 )

The lift irrigation can be regarded as an important component of improved

technology which has been diffused widely due to rural electrification. The irrigation

sector in Maharashtra is one of the largest in the country. In the state the major and

medium projects are owned by the government in all respects. Small projects are partly

owned by the government and partly viz. percolation tanks and lift irrigations. The lift

and percolation tanks irrigation can be regarded as an important component of improved

technology which has been diffused wiedly due to rural electrification. IndapurTahasil is

one of the progressive Tahasil in Pune district regarding the use of irrigation technology.

Heavy capacity electric pumps ranging from 5 to 10 HP have been used to lift the water

from wells and 20 to more than 500 HP are used to lift the water from river and Back

water of Ujani dam. Well irrigation is carried out especially in the arid parts of the region.

This zone is found in the central and western part of the study area. The Northern,

Southern, Eastern part of the region has always been characterized abundant supply water

from the Back water of Ujani dam, Nira and Bhima River.


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IndapurTahasil has provided an example of imbalance in the development of

irrigation facilities in its spatio – temporal perspective. In the present research work

though emphasis are placed on agricultural technology, it is the task of geographers to

study the spatio temporal aspects of irrigation and its relationship with other attributes. In

view of this, the study of the spatio – temporal development of different modes of

irrigation has been considered. The main focus of this chapter is on irrigation technology

which has been developed during the last ten years in order to increase agricultural

productivity in IndapurTahasil. More specifically irrigation technology refers here to the

techniques adopted for lifting the water, its positive and negative impact on agricultural

production, land use changes in cropping pattern, development of degraded lands etc. The

study also incorporates drip technology adopted by the farmers in scarcity zone. Among

the various methods of irrigation, drip irrigation methods has achieved significant place

with this technology water is economically used. Besides this, the efforts made by the

farmers to adopt new devices to store transported water in artificial tanks and its used

during famine situation. In the study a comparative analysis of well irrigated and lift

irrigated areas has been attempted to assess the impact of lift irrigation. Nearly ten per

cent sample villages were selected for primary data. The case studies of co- operative lift

irrigation schemes were undertaken to highlight its impact along with its structural

characteristics has been undertaken. Impact of tank irrigation on agricultural land use and

ground water table has also been analyzed with the help of case study.

However, certain limitations of data have restricted the scope of study. Past

records are not available. So information pertaining, to those aspects has been analyzed at

by using available data.

4.0.1 Restriction And Circumstances for Development of

Irrigation Technology

It is clear fact that irrigation is absolutely necessary for the success of agriculture.

The purpose of irrigation is to counteract drought by making certain that the plants are


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not deprived of water at any time during their development. (Thronthwaite and Mather,

1955). It is essential to ensure the crops and their yield especially in the dry lands of

possible with 500 mm to 700 mm annual rainfall. The success of agriculture depends to a

large extent on how successfully water requirements of various crops can be met (Arora

1976). Due to irrigation, farmers can make additional investment in farm implements of

more valuable crops like sugarcane and the total employment of farmers and labourers

(Gadgil, 1948). The transformation of agriculture is possible only through irrigation as it

is a primary input on which other input depends. Obviously it increases the land value

and leads to additional use of land.

The study region has accute need of irrigation. The rainfall occurs in the study

region mainly during the monsoon season (end of the June to September) and it is

uncertain and its spatial distribution is unequal. “As variability in excess of 2 per cent

implies great risk in farming, the absence of irrigation has been socially identified as the

growing constraint in agriculture.”(Williamson, 1925). Moreover, the seasonal

distribution of rainfall is so uneven that ; it creates the need of irrigation except in the

Kharif season. Even in the Kharif season the additional irrigation is needed in the central

rainfall farming area. Mainly the perennial and Rabi crops in the region cannot be raised

proper without irrigation. It may be rationally argued that as the need of food grains grow

due to rise in population. People started thinking towards more and more agricultural

output for this purpose they may have thought towards application of irrigation water to

various crops. In view of the more production, the need of irrigation in the study area is

real.

The overhead statement indicates the need of irrigation in the region. In

IndapurTahasil, there are certain limitations for its developments -

i) The volume of water in the region is to great fluctuation, so that these are trickle

down in the summer months.

Though partly Bhima and Nira are the perennial rivers, their flow is irregular. As

a result, the mean discharge in the canals and supply of water for lift irrigation

very, which is a limiting factor for successful crop production.


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ii) Water table goes deep in summer and thereby affects the intensity of irrigation

and the cropping pattern the double cropped area.

iii) Some tanks were constructed during the British period, which is completely

filled up with silt.

iv) Lack of proper guidance, low rate of literacy, poverty of the farmers, ignorance

have all affected the development of irrigation.

v) Government policies are not reaching to the less holding farmers.

4.0.2 General characteristics of Irrigation Technology

‘Irrigation is usually classified as either seasonal or perennial and either

supplementary of primary depending on the role it plays. On seasonal irrigation, one or

rarely two crops are regularly raised in one season, the second is rather impracticable’

(Cantor, 1967). This type of irrigation has been practiced in the region where canal and

well irrigation are the means of irrigation respectively. In the study area, it is observed

that along the rivers Bhima and Nira, Government canal and Back water of Ujani dam lift

Irrigation are major sources of irrigation. Use of relatively small quantity of water for a

short period is carry out successfully when crops are suffering from water shortage due to

this rainfall is always in sufficient and crop depend mainly on irrigation is the common

picture of all the Tahasil, exceptions the central arid part of the region.

In fact, no crop can grow without water. Hence the classification relates to the

degree to which the water demand of crop can be satisfied by rainfall. Moreover, seasonal

or perennial irrigation can be converted, depending on the conditions of water resources

and so on, in each of these types irrigation can be either supplementary or primary

(Fukuda, 1976).

In the recent years the large scale failure of the monsoon in the region. The

success of agriculture in a draught year depends on the proper management and

utilization of the available resources and their varieties which suit the available soil

moisture.


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Inadequate water starves plant and reduces crop yield. We may say that if soil is

the store house of plant – nutrients, water is its carrier. Natural supply of water is limited

to about four months. Therefore, the development of irrigation is very important for

Indian economy.

4.1 Irrigation Sources

The region mainly depends on two sources of water for irrigation viz. 1) Surface

water 2) Ground water. However their intensity differs regionally due to diversity in

physical conditions of the region. IndapurTahasil has four sources of irrigation i.e. lift

irrigation, well irrigation, canal irrigation and Tank irrigation.

Table 4.1

Area under different sources of Irrigation In IndapurTahasil

Sr. No Source 2001 2011 Per cent

change

Absolute

Increase

Per cent

Increase

1) Well 30323

(38.70)

36613

(38.08)

-0.62 6290 20.74

2) Lift 19600

(25.00)

26482

(27.55)

2.55 6882 35.11

3) Canal 26488

(33.80)

30286

(31.51)

-2.29 3198 14.34

4) Tanks 1944

(2.50)

2747

(2.86)

0.36 803 41.27

Total 78335

(100)

96128

(100)

+2.91 17772 22.68

N.B. – Figures in brackets indicate the percentage of irrigated area under different

sources of irrigation to total.

Source: Tahasil office record, Indapur (2001- 2011).


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Well irrigation covers wider area in the region, owing the non availability of

perennial streams the canal and lift irrigation are not developed in this part. Well

irrigation acquires first position, occupying about 38.08 percent of the total irrigated area

(Table 4.1). The percentage of well irrigation though seem to be high their seasonal

nature has to stop overall cropping pattern and crop productivity too (0.62 percent)

decrease is observed from 2001 to 2011 owing the drought condition in the region seen

last two – three years.

The predominance of lift irrigation is confined to northeastern and southern part

of the region. Above 27.55 percent (26481 hectares) of net irrigated area is covered by

this source (Table 4.1) with 2.55 percent increase (6882 hectares) during the period of

investigation. The remarkable growth and significant concentration of lift irrigation is

confined to flood plains of river Bhima and Nira and Back water of Ujani dam.

The canal irrigation is developed along the parts of river Nira and also in medium

irrigation projects like Khadkhwasla dam canal. Canal irrigation contributes about 31.51

percent (30286 hectares) of the total irrigated area in the region, in fact owing to

topographical constraint; canal irrigation has not taken sound footing.

The tank irrigation in the study area is relatively negligible occupying. The tank

irrigation however, helps to recharge the underground water table. So it is indirect

support to the irrigation. Table 3.1 reveals the fact that from all sources of irrigation, the

region has recorded 2.91 per cent (17772.17 hectares) change in irrigation during 2001 –

2011. However, lift irrigation has remained dominant showing increase of 35.11 followed

by well (20.74 percent) canal (14.34 per cent) and tank (41.27 per cent) during this

period.

4.1.1 Lift Irrigation Technology

Lift Irrigation is a recent form of irrigation, which differs from other traditional

means of irrigation like well, canal and tank. The last five decades have witnessed the

development of lift irrigation causing into deep and far reaching impact on the


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agricultural economy of the region. Though it requires heavy capital outlay it has been

practiced on co-operative basis along the river banks. Here, the researcher has attempted

to analyze such irrigation technology with reference to its development spatial

characteristics, impact on cropping pattern and productivity based on primary data. In

addition to this, the negative impacts of lift irrigation are also assessed which has invited

attention of scientists recently.

4.1.1.1 Definition of left Irrigation Technology

“Lift irrigation is generally defined as lifting of water from perennial sources of

rivers with heavy capacity electric pumps and distributed through pipeline to nearby

fields within its command area in the flood plains of the river.”

The installation is mode either on co-operative or individual basis. However, the

capacity of pumps is always high in case of co-operative schemes.

4.1.1.2 Historical Background of Lift Irrigation Technology –

Of all the devices of minor irrigation the lifting of surface water for irrigation is

relatively new technology and recent phenomenon. Since this new technology of minor

irrigation has been introduced in the recent past i.e. after 1960’s, its progress is rather

slow, compared with traditional methods of irrigation. However, the government of

Maharashtra has given considerable importance to lift irrigation schemes because of its

unique features. It can be adopted even in the region where the topography does not

permit direct flow of irrigation from rivers and streams.

A beginning of organized irrigation in the state was made during the British rule

with the opening of Krishna canal in 1870. The canal takes off from the village khodsi

above Karad, where a weir was built across the river Krishna (Bansode, 1999). With the

advent of planning in the 1951; many attempts were made to tap water for irrigation

through the minor, medium and major irrigation projects. The govt. policies encouraged

farmers to utilize surface groundwater resources by providing financial aids and technical

knowledge.


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The role of co-operative sector is also noteworthy in regards to the development

of lift irrigation, particularly the sugar factories, established during 1960-1970, have

encouraged the development of lift irrigation by making special efforts in their command

areas in order to gain sugarcane, as a raw material. Such large scale lifts are possible

along the river banks as it requires virtually abundant supply of water stored in the river

course by constructing K.T. weirs (Kolhapur Type weirs). The open weirs consist of

number of small spans closed with horizontal or vertical needles. The needles are taken

out during the flood session so that weirs, at the end of the monsoon season they are

again inserted to store water, which is lifted by electric pumps for irrigation.

The post monsoon and pre-monsoon periods are important regarding water

supply. Main water resources of IndapurTahasil are Bhima and Nira River, Nira left bank

canal, Back water of Ujani dam, khadakhwasla canal etc. The region is also because

agriculture in this area depends upon rainfall, which is low.

IndapurTahasil was badly affected by famine of 1876 – 1878 during British rule.

Famine riots occurred during this period. In order to stop this riot British Government

started famine works, through construction of Nira left canal. After construction of this

canal in 1882, old Bhatgher Dam was constructed during 1923-1927. Old pick-up weir

was constructed on Nira River near Veer. A few years later, during 1956-1965

Maharashtra Government constructed a new dam in Veer. During this period excavation

of canal of Khadakhwasala dam on Mula River was started Khadakhwasla canal runs

from Northern side and Nira left canal runs from southern side of the study region.

Then the questation arose in the mind of the British Government, about the

people’s disinterest to use canal water. So British Government introduced ‘Block’ system

for the first time in India on Nira left and right canal. The British Government forced the

farmer to carry on agriculture based on Block system in order to increase agricultural

yield. The British Government introduced six different type of Block system like

sugarcane Blocks, Fruit Blocks, and Garden Blocks, Two seasonal Blocks- kharif and

Rabbi, Three seasonal Blocks, Rabbi, (Khomane, S.L. 2009).


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In this way the British Government forced farmers to carry on their farming, due

to which increase in agricultural yield was noticed and the life style of the people also

changed, because of their improved economic condition.

4.1.1.3Systems of Lift Irrigation Schemes

In areas where abundant water in the form of rivers and fertile land exist the

projects aim not only at ensuring continuous supply of water but also aim at increasing

agricultural production and productivity through intensive use of land.

The lift schemes are installed on seasonal /perennial sources of water like rivers,

lakes etc. either by individuals or by groups of farmers in states like Maharashtra, Orrisa

etc.. Separate corporations have been established and the commercial banks provide

finance for the construction of the lift projects and land development work in the

command areas. These corporations encourage farmers to form co-operative societies or

partnership for the purpose of distribution of water, collection of water charge, arranging

supply of input and production, and marketing of produce of the beneficiaries and also

for attending of produce of the beneficiaries and also for attending other day to day work

for ensuring smooth working of lift irrigation schemes.

Lift projects should be based on sound technical and economic feasibility. The

technical aspects pertain to the source of water on which the lifts are constructed and the

designing of the project. It is better to understand these aspects so that commercial bank

will easily grant loans either to the schemes which will benefit individual consumers or

group of farmers. [Narula, R.K. 1984].

Farmers in IndapurTahasil have formed the co-operative Lift irrigation schemes to

enable member cultivators to pool their resources for the purpose of lift irrigation plant

machinery. This helps to bring large areas under irrigation to reduce the cost of irrigation

per hectare. In lift irrigation scheme certain input (input system) are transformed within

organizational structures and processes (Transformation system) and converted into

output (output system). The input system comprises two categories of inputs viz. people


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who work within the lift Irrigation scheme together from the human resource system of

the scheme. These include primarily the irrigation farmers and members of irrigation

administration(fig.4.1).


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Human Resource System of Lift Irrigation Local Experts Temporal

Expert

Scientific Adviser Skilled

Organization Management

Member Permanent Specialist

Member of Farmer with Irrigation

Organization Experience

Farmer without Irrigation

Experience

Project Employee

Project Worker

Seasonal Worker

Unskilled

Organization

Member Permanent Member of

Organization Fig 4.1 A

Human Resource

System


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Material Resource System of Lift Irrigation

Public Authority Capital

Private Capital Engineering Jack Well Infrastructure Main pipeline Material Sump Well Resource Material Sub Line System Resources Agricultural Electric Pump Sets Production Other Technical Equipment Ownership Private Surplus Quantity Water Public Scarcity Availability Time Regular Private Irregular Natural Ownership Resources Public Surplus Land Quantity Scarcity Availability Long-term leasing Time Fig.4.1 B Short-term leasi


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The management system control the material input and it also influences the structure of

organization. It should be pointed out her, that the management in irrigation schemes is

not necessarily a management appointed by the Government. In many schemes the

management functions are performed at least partially by chosen representative of the

farmers. The object of management activities within the transformation system is to

produce output in, the widest sense. The output system includes two categories of

outputs; Goods and Services. The goods produced in irrigation schemes consist of

primarily of agricultural product.

The technology or material inputs includes all installations and processes that are

needed to bring about the transformation of input into output within lift irrigation scheme.

The technology that is available for lift irrigation scheme i.e. engineering infrastructure

viz. construction of jack- wells, sump – wells, main Pipeline, chambers, laying of sub-

line electric pump and capital.

The material input of lift irrigation or design of the lift project will include the

following:

i) Construction of jack well and pump House –

The Jack well and the pump house may be combined together and a single structure

may be designed to facilitate the water to be temporarily stored and to create still pool for

pumping. The site for jack well is selected either in the middle or upstream of the

command area so that the command area dividing in to two halves for effective coverage

of all plots and easy flow of water. Construction of a jack well on the river bank is the

best arrangement and is recommended in case of permanent schemes.

The pump house is constructed for the installation of pump; power unit etc. on fixed

floor. The diameter of jack well is designed depending on the discharge capacity and the

number and size of pump sets and the power units to be installed. The item the jack well

is designed depending on the basis of the maximum feed level of the river. The height of

the pump house will be on basis of the working ability of the system and for raising the

suction pipes from the jack well. The pumping units should be protected from flood and


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the pump house is constructed on the top jack well with thick teak wood base or thick,

wall and foundation requirement are designed depending on the structural maintenance

and mechanical variation of pumps and power units. The pumps and power unit may be

installed and fitted on a fixed RCC foundation block at a suitable location on the bank of

the river. Jack wells are situated along the bank of Bhima and Nira River, Back water of

Ujani dam.

ii) Main pipeline / Rising Main -

It includes a cement pipe, with radius ranging from 0.5 mt to 2 mt depending

on the volume of water to flow into the pipe line. The main pipeline has been

connected to the jack well and sump-well which are situated on the river bank

and command area of the scheme respectively.

iii) Sump – well –

It is situated in the command area of the scheme. The purpose for constructing

the sump – well is to store water, which is lifted from the jack – wall and

distribute the water with the help of sub – line to the fields.

iv) Laying of sub – line / pote – line –

It includes PVC pipe which is used for the distribution of water in the

command area. The radius ranges from 30 mm to 240 mm.

v) Electric Pumps –

The device for lifting the water is an electric pump of heavy capacity. The

capacity of pumps ranges from 30 H.P. to 500 H.P. It depends on the extended

of command area.

vi) Finance / Capital –

The govt. of Maharashtra has given a considerable importance to co-operative

lift irrigation schemes by providing financial and technical knowledge to the

farmers to utilize surface and ground water resources. Govt. of Maharashtra

has made available loan facilities at low interest rate (9 per cent) from banking


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sources, particularly from co-operative banks. Sugar factories have given

impetus to irrigation by making special efforts in the command areas. Most of

the sugar factories have undertaken the task of big lift irrigation schemes to

their share holders and repayment of loan is made through sugarcane bills

annually.

4.1.1.4 Extent of lift irrigation in the Region –

The dominance of lift irrigation is observed all along the river course and back

water of Ujani dam. There is high concentration at three locations i.e. north, south and

East part of the region. There are 108 villages in the region taking the advantage of lift

irrigation. It is above 53 per cent villages have advantage of (above 75 per cent) lift

irrigation of the total irrigated area. There are about 57 villages located in relatively

leveled extensive flood pains and there fore, these are capable of taking advantages of lift

irrigation schemes.

The moderate per cent (40 -60) is observed in the 31 villages and low proportion

(below 40) in remaining 20 village. This is because these villages are located at a

considerable distance and they cannot enjoy the vicinity of river courses as in the case of

above villages.

4.1.1.5 Schemes of Lift irrigation Technology.

There are 5131 private and 13 co-operative lift irrigation schemes including small

and big. The lift irrigation schemes in private and co-operative sector have average

capacity ranging from 3 to 10 H.P and 20 to 700 H.P. respectively. It is observed that out

of total lift irrigation more than 80 per cent are small having an average command area of

4 hectares with average 5 H.P capacity of each. (Table 4.2)


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It is interesting to note here that the big schemes are located in the command area

of K.T.W (Kolhapur Type weir) and Back water of Ujani dam, due to availability of

water. It is farther observed that K.T. weirs and numbers of lift irrigation schemes and the

Table 4.2

Lift Irrigation Schemes in IndapurTahasil- 2011(Area in hectares )

Type No of Lifts Capacity in

H.P

Irrigated land villages

Private 5131 32829 23422.3 99

Co-operative 13 2680 3059.31 9

Total 5144 35509 26481.61 108

Source – Nira Left Bank canal office, Baramati.

- Division of Ujani Back water, Bhimanagar.

- Bhima irrigation Branch, Narshinpur, Bhimanagar.

length of pipe line have positive relationship. Today 18 weirs have been completed. The

weirs make water available up to April in their command areas. The Table 4.2 shows that

the region has 13 co-operative lifts of 2680 H.P irrigating 3059.31 hectares of land of 9

villages. Whereas private lifts (5131) have total capacity of 32829 providing water to

23422.3 hectares of in 99 villages. Thus, individual lift irrigations are also playing. More

important role compared to co-operative lift irrigation schemes

4.1.1.6 Intensity of lift irrigation Technology

Along the Back water of Ujani dam and river course, lift irrigation has become

major source of irrigation. During 2000 – 2001 to 2010 – 2011, the net area irrigated by

lift increased by 35.11 per cent while the net area irrigated by all the source of irrigation

was about 22.68 per cent. The net area irrigated by lift as percentage of total irrigated

area went up to 27.55 from 25 per cent during the same period.


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The ratio of the irrigated area by lift irrigation to net area sown is high (above 40

per cent) in Revenue circle of Bawda. Bawda Revenue circle has recorded highest

proportion of (46.22 per cent). Because of these Revenue circle has on the river course of

Bhima and Nira.


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Fig.4.2


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Moderate percentage (20 to 40 per cent) is noted in the Revenue circle of

LoniDeokar and Indapur Revenue circle. LoniDeokar and Indapur Revenue circle has

recorded 29.37 per cent and 36.05 per cent lift intensity respectively. It is due to the

development of lift irrigation schemes on the Back water of Ujani dam which could bring

additional land under irrigation. Low percentage ( below 20 per cent ) is observed in

Revenue circle of Bhigwan, Kati, Anturne and Sansar due to unfavorable physiographical

condition and more distances for the River course and Back water of dam.

The changing intensity of lift irrigation over 40 per cent observed in Bawda

Revenue circle is high intensity. Moderate intensity (20 to 40 per cent) is observed in

Indapur and LoniDeokar Revenue circle. Low intensity (below 20 percent) is observed in

Bhigwan, Kati, Sansar and AnturneRevenue circle. NimgaonKetki Revenue circle has no

found the lift irrigation due to the adverse physiographic condition and want of natural

source of water.

Last ten years have witnessed a positive change in the region as a whole as far as

the development of lift irrigation is taken into consideration.

4.1.1.7 Impact Analysis of lift irrigation Technology

Although the concept of lift irrigation technology is the recent in the field of

irrigation it has man folding effects on agricultural landscape. It requires heavy capital

outlay which can be afforded by the banks only. This leads in bringing about the change

in agricultural landscape. The old cropping pattern is replaced by irrigated crop. The

farmer adopts the cropping pattern which is suitable for existing environmental

conditions and which may pay high remuneration to them. The view of this the aim of

present study is to assess the positive as well as well as negative impact of lift irrigation

on overall agricultural landscape in the study region. This has been done with the help of

case studies, which may give the representative picture of the region under study. Two

villages are selected for case study. Two villages are selected for case study; one for the

study of positive impact and another for negative impact of lift irrigation. It is also

important to mansion that the role of private lift irrigations is vital as compare to co-


25


26


27

Fig.4.3

operative lift irrigation schemes in the study region. So the private lift irrigations

schemes are consider for the positive impact.

The data related to cropping pattern is obtained from the Talathi (Revenue office)

of the respective village. The interviews with farmer and other relevant persons were

conducted to generate the data related to irrigation, cropping pattern, yield, etc. The

selection of farmers is done by stratified random sampling technique. As such 100

farmers of each village were selected of which 30 farmers are having more than 4

hectares of land, another 35 farmers having land in between 2 to 4 hectares where as

remaining 35 farmers have less than 2 hectares of land.

Generally, the farmers do no keep an account of his farm management, the

analysis is, therefore, based on the relevant authorities. Thus, the data has been generated

through field interviews with farmers from selected villages. The accuracy regarding

different costs is subject to the limitations of the memory of the farmers. the following

analysis is concerned with the study of two village Nimsakhar and Bhandgaon.

I) Positive impact of lift irrigation:

To understand the positive impact of lift irrigation on agriculture Nimsakher

village has selected, for the micro level analysis.

a) Micro Level Analysis (Nimsakhar village)

Nimsakhar village is located near 6 km East of Walchandnager city in Indapur,

Tahasil. It is situated 2 km north from river Nira. It has 2266.20 hectares of geographical

area associated with two small nala.

1) Water Resource Management –

Water management in irrigated area is per-necessary for making agriculture

remunerative and to avoid ill effects of excessive use of water. The lift irrigation in

IndapurTahasil is mainly confined to flood plains, which are covered by deep black soils.


28

The fair growth of sugarcane depends mostly on proper water management. However, the

researcher observed that ignorance and negligence towards such valuable resource have

resulted in to the generation of some problems. This kind of picture is commonly

observed in the lift irrigated track of IndapurTahasil. This has led to the development of

saline lands which is also analyzed in this chapter.

In case of lift irrigation, on private basis, the farmers tend to use rather more

quantity of water leading to excess use. There are various methods of irrigation are

broadly grouped under i.e. surface, subsurface or sub irrigation, overhead or sprinkle

irrigation and Drip irrigation. (MajumdarD.K, 2004).

The surface irrigation refers to irrigating lands by allowing water to flow over the

soil surface from a supply channel at upper reach of the field. Surface irrigation includes

methods such as border, check, contour border, contour check, contour bitch, furrow,

flood, corrugation, basin and ring methods. In Nimsakhar village furrow and flood

methods have been practiced in this village. The information collected for this is based on

schedule for 100 farmers from various categories and field observation in the study

region.

In the lift irrigation scheme there are some problems in providing water to farm

regularly by laying underground pipeline. These problems observed in the study region

are listed below-

i)Fluctuations in the volume of water -

In the river Bhima and Nira and Back water of Ujani Dam the availability

of water supply is always less during summer season. The govt. of

Maharashtra takes the decision to agriculture purpose. The priority is given to

store water for drinking purpose.

i) Fluctuations in the Electricity -

Every day on an average sixteen hours (16 hours) of load shading and on

every Thursday the whole day power cut- off leads to the a problem for

providing the water to the fields.


29

ii) Leakage –

Some time, there is a leakage of pipelines creating problem of non

availability of water when it is essential. The skilled labors, which can

solve the leakage problem, are not available in time. This may lead to

much time taken (average 4 days) for solving such problem.

The farmers at farm level, adopt surface irrigation method i.e. furrow irrigation,

by which heavy quantity of water is supplied to sugarcane crop. Generally, water is

supplied to the cane fields throughout the night resulting into overflow. This is common

phenomenon of the region. This indicates that water management has not been properly

practiced by the farmers. This requires the creation of awareness among the farmers for

the economic use of water.

2) Impact Analysis –

Irrigation occurrence to be basic input exerting its impact on agriculture

production. If an area is facilitated with irrigation water, agricultural sector is positively

affected. It has manifold phenomena may arise i.e. increase in the gross cropped area,

change in cropping pattern, increase in mechanized farming or technological dualism,

stability in the level of production etc. The concern of agricultural geographer is to

analyze impact of input on agriculture. Therefore, an impact analysis is attempted here by

collecting data at field and adopting 10 per cent random sampling of farmers of different

categories in Nimsakhar village.

Irrigation is one of the inputs, which has dominant impact on cropping pattern,

Irrigation acts as an agent in the process of speedy dynamism in cropping pattern. The

cropping pattern denotes the raising of crop in a particular set of time. It is a dynamic

phenomenon which changes according to the adoption of new technology (Husain, 1979)

In the present study the researcher has attempted to trace the spatial dynamism in

cropping pattern which is a result of irrigation facilities. It is observed that there are more

number of private lifts is increased from 45 to 163 from 2001 to 2011 respectively. It is

proposed to formulate the hypotheses, as irrigation is instrumental in bring about the


30

change in cropping pattern. In order to test this, the analysis for two points of time has

been considered i.e. establishment of privet lift irrigation in 2001 to 2011.

PRIVET LIFT IRRIGATION

Photo Plate No. 4.1


31

3) Temporal changes in cropping pattern:

The development of irrigation leads to change in the cropping pattern. Table 4.5

shows the fact that how the temporal changes in cropping pattern are taken due to

introduction lift irrigation.

Table 4.3

Temporal changes in cropping pattern in Nimsakhar village Anthurne Revenue

circle, Tahasil-Indapur.

Sr.No. Crops 2001- 2002 2010- 2011 Change in

Area in

hectare

Percentage

to total

Area in

hectare

Percentage

to total

Percentage

1 Jowar 1500.20 79.14 693.39 34.61 -44.53

2 Wheat 105.20 5.55 240.00 11.98 6.43

3 Bajara 14.20 0.75 13.00 0.65 -1.20

4 Maize 249.94 13.19 550.00 27.45 14.26

5 Groundnut 0.80 0.04 1.20 0.06 0.02

6 Sugarcane 25.20 1.33 498.70 24.90 23.57

7 Banana -- -- 3.00 0.15 0.15

8 Pomegranate -- -- 4.00 0.20 0.20

1895.54 100 2003.29 100.00

Source- Complied by the Author- 2012

The area under sugarcane in this village is increased by 473.5 hectares which was

25.20 in 2001-2002. The sugarcane has kept its dominance in the irrigation cropping


32

pattern, as it covers above 49 per cent of total irrigation area of the village and 498.70

hectares (24.90 per cent) of the total cultivated land. Jowar was dominant crop in 2000-

2001 occupying 1500.20 hectares area, shown drastic decline (44.53 per cent) in its area

to about 693.41 hectare in 2010-2011. Obviously, it has been replaced by sugarcane due

to the availability of water through lift irrigation. The total area under maize has

increased by 300.06 hectares (27.45 per cent) in year 2010-2011. The crop like wheat,

have also shown remarkable increase during period under investigation i.e. 134.8

hectares. The area under Bajra decreased from 14.20 hectares to 13.00 hectors. The Jowar

and Bajra show negative changes in the region. The area under Banana and pomegranate

are not available in 2000-2001; But due to lift irrigation area under these gropes has 3 and

4 hectares respectively. The total cropped area during the same period has also been

increased from 1895.54 hectares to 2003.29 hectares.

It may be attributed to the fact that the irrigations has played on important role in

the irrigation has played an important role in the horizontal extension of crop land in the

village Nimsakhar.

II) Negative Impact of Lift Irrigation:

The main intention of irrigation is too prominent an increase in agricultural

production from the lands served. The Bhima and Nira River and Back water of Ujani

dam are major sources of irrigation. The lift irrigation is more confined to these river

basins. The monoculture of sugarcane has been practiced without rotation system causing

into considerable reduction in its yield and intensity too. The farmer from the study

region of IndapurTahasil have utilized water by lift scheme directly from these sources

and irrigated their farms. They have been doing it for the last one or two decades. Such

traditional way of irrigation has created degradation of land.

In the proceeding an attempt is made to analyze the cropping pattern in the study

region with special emphasis on irrigated cropping. It is evident that region has a

preponderance of sugarcane cultivation, particularly in the lift irrigated tract of the study


33

region. In the beginning expectedly increased the production of sugarcane and other

crops too. But due to careless use of excess water ignorance of water and land

management. Various problems are emerging in the irrigated tract of the study region.

Farmers are using water for more than the standard requirement of crops,

particularly in the case of sugarcane cultivation. It is almost double than the standard

requirement i.e. 450 cm/ hectare which is higher than the standards need 275 to 325 cm/

hectare, the ignorance of irrigation regarding the water requirement of crops. The need of

water may vary from crop to crop and region to region and season to season. There is a

misconception regarding water use among the farmers i.e. more the higher dose of

irrigation water particularly the higher doses of irrigation water particularly to sugarcane.

However, due to the improper use of water and unsuitable soil management

practices, problem of soil degradation is coming up in irrigated tracts. The problems like

soil sallinization and alkalization particularly in sugarcane tracts are emerging very fastly.

1) Development of Saline Soils –

During the last there decade, the proportion of the saline land has been gradually

increased in many villages of the irrigated tract of the study region. the proportion of the

saline land is more in the village near to the river courses and back water of Ujani dam.

In the region there are 119 villages having the problem of the saline land the proportion is

3.73 per cent to the total irrigated area in the region. National Agricultural Development

plan (RashtriyKrushiVikasYojana) has conducted a survey to find out the saline area of

the Tahasil. They tried to increase the soil productivity of saline soil by use the ‘Sub-

surface drainage system’. (Government Rule of 16 August 2011). They collect the data

from sugar factories of IndapurTahasil. The report gives the data of saline land from the

sugar factories is 3458.26 hectare saline land are found in the IndapurTahasil up to 2011-

2012. The area under saline land has been increased day by day. This has led to the

damage of inherent qualities of soils consequently; it has affected the production of crop

adversely. To understand the negative impact of the lift irrigation on irrigated crop


34

production and quality of soils. A micro level (Village level) analysis is discussed which

may give the representative picture of the region under study. For that purpose

Bhandgaon Village in Bawada Revenue circle is selected for the case study.

2) Cause of overuse of water for Irrigation:

The extreme use of water is caused mainly due to following reasons.

i) In sufficient facilities of irrigation –

The micro level analysis indicates that the irrigation facilities are confined

only to the river valleys. Thus, the areas away from river banks are not provided

with adequate irrigation facilities. The composite effect of all these facts is in the

over utilization of irrigation water whenever and wherever it is made available.

ii) Ignorance of Irrigators regarding water requirements of crops –

The quantity of water use to irrigate crops is significant in relation to crop

production and land management. The volume of water required by the crop is

determined by the timing of watering, methods adopted and sources of irrigation

and cultivators perception towards the use of irrigation. However, too much water

may suffocate the plant roots and too little may not be able to sustain the plant.

The need for water varies from crop to crop. Even for individual crops the crop

requirements vary as per its growth stage.

iii) Uncertainty of Irrigation water –

It is observed very often during the field work that the co-operative as well as

private lift irrigation schemes provide water to the irrigate three to four times a

month. This frequency reduces further in the month of April and May in summer


35

season. Moreover many time the failure of power rotation system. It leads to

increase the tendency of farmers to use maximum possible water whenever it is

available.

iv) Insufficient Drainage facility –

To facilitate the percolation of unwanted water from the soils, drainage system

either natural or artificial is essential.

a) A Case Study of Bhandgaon village ( Micro Level Analysis )

Bhandgaon village is located 9 km East of Bawada Revenue circle. It is situated

on the Bhima River. It has 1334 Sq.km of total geographical area. There is one lift

irrigation scheme in co-operative sector and 224 has private sector. Co-operative scheme

established in 1976 with an average capacity of 20 hp and land irrigated by this scheme is

24 hectares. Private lift irrigation scheme has average capacity of 930 hp and the land

irrigated under this lift irrigation is 799 hectares. Its show that the private’s lifts are plays

an important role in Bhandgaon village.

1) Physical setup of the Bhandgaon village –

The area of the village can be divided into three physical divisions.

i) Northern Hilly Region –

The hills follow the North East direction it cover about 10 percent to the

total village area.

ii) Foot Hill Zone –

The foot hill zone covers 10 per cent of the area of the village which has

moderate slope. The cultivation has been developing on the hill slopes and in the

foot hill region.

iii) Plain Region –


36

It is a gently sloping land which favors the development of irrigation

facilities. It covers about 80 per cent of the area of the village.

2) Soil –

Following are the main soil groups observed in the village area.

a) Alluvial soils –

It covers only 60 per cent village and occupies the flood plain of the river

which is the only fertile and productive land of the village.

b) Medium and Deep Black Soil –

It is medium deep black soil and covers some part of village area that forms

“guothan” where the settlements are located.

c) Coarse Shallow Literate –

An extensive tract nearly 10 per cent is covered by this group of soil which is

infertile and mostly devoted to Pastures.

3) Agricultural Profile –

The agricultural aspects of the village in the recent past are discussed

below.

i) Land Use –

Table 4.4 shows the general land use pattern of Bhandgaon village.

Table 4.4

General land use in Bhandgaon village, Bawda Revenue circle,

IndapurTahasil

Sr. No. Land category Area in

hectares

Percentage

to total Area


37

1 Area not available for

cultivation

40.62 3.03

2 Cultivable wast 39.57 2.96

3 Fallow 12.49 0.78

4 Pastures 09.61 0.72

5 Net area sown 1238.51 92.51

Total 1338.80 100.00

Source: Compiled by researcher based on the field work 2012.

Farming is a major activity of the village. The village area has no forest

land. The proportion of net area sown is high (92.51 per cent). The other

categories of the land use cover 7.49 per cent of the total area (Table 4.4).

ii) Cropping Pattern –

The cropping pattern of the village consists mainly of the cultivation of

irrigated crops (Table 4.5).

Table 4.5 indicates that sugarcane is the dominant crop of the village covering

more than 61.20 per cent (756.28 hectares) of the net area sown. The second ranking

crop is Maize which covers 14.94 percent area and together with sugarcane covers

more than 76 percent of net sown area. The third ranking crop is Jowar which covers

11 per cent area.

Table 4.5

Cropping pattern in Bhandgaon village in 2010-2011

Sr.

No.

Crop Area in

hectares

Percentage to

net area sown

1 Sugarcane 756.28 61.20

2 Jowar 136.11 11.00

3 Wheat 75.00 6.09

4 Maize 185.00 14.94

5 Groundnut 55.00 4.44


38

6 Banana 10.12 0.82

7 Pomegranate 18.20 1.47

8 Other 2.80 0.22

Total 1238.51 100

Source: The Revenue officer of Bhandgaon 2010-11

The remaining crops all together share 13.04 per cent of the net area sown like Wheat,

Groundnut, Banana, Pomegranate and others.

iii) Sources of Irrigation:

The Bhandgaon has lift and well irrigation and the total irrigated area was

1208.51 hectares in 2010-2011. Out of this 822.5 hectares (68 per cent) is

under lift and 386.01 hectares (32 per cent) under wells. There are 500 wells

in the village which are perennial.

iv) Methods of irrigation :

The field observation has stated the fact that the farmers of Bhandgaon

village supply water to crops regardless of their requirement. The lack of

awareness among the farmers, miss concepts about the use of water is the

reasons for this. The furrow irrigation method is commonly practiced (80 per

cent) in the village water is regulated through furrow to irrigated the crops.

‘Furrow irrigation is very common because it is adoptable to a great can be

variety of land slopes and soil textures. It can be used with either large or

small streams of irrigated water (cantor, 1967).

Flood irrigation has been practiced at very small scale (15 per cent)

particularly for wheat and vegetables. The modern methods in the form of drip

and sprinkle irrigation are only (5 per cent) where there the region is very far

away from the Natural water sources. It is observed that furrow irrigation

method carries demerits of excessive use of water dealing to the damage of

inherent qualities of soils. Erosion of furrow bed is anticipated of furrows are


39

not properly graded and the method is unsuitable for light irrigation in the

village.

v) Impact of Irrigation :

Farmers of Bhandgaon have sufficient water available from lift irrigation.

Normally using excess water for farming they have been using for many years.

However, due to the improper use of water and unsuitable soil management

practices; the problem of soil degradation is coming up in the black irrigated soils

in Bhandgaon village.

a) Soil degradation :

The soil is a natural medium of plant growth and it is a natural body

developed by natural forces acting on earth- surface. Moreover, it is the medium

from which crop draw water and nutrient. Hence, soils must be carefully

husbanded and conserved. A proper combination of texture, salt and humans

yields good results but some-times due to unsize exploitation, misuse of soils and

excess use of irrigation water and chemical fertilizer result in to soil degradation

(Pathak, R.S, 1997). The village agriculture Extension officer has conducted the

survey of the village and tested the soil quality with the help of PH value and Ec

of the soil on the basis of that he has divided the village into three zones viz. East

zone North zone, west zone.

Table 4.6

Analysis of soil in Bhandgaon village 2011-12

Sr. No. Category East zone North zone West zone

1 PH 8.09 7.50 7.90

2 Ece mm hos/cm 1.15 1.00 0.90

3 CN per cent 0.21 0.78 0.59

4 P2O5 Kg/hectares 4.10 2.93 3.24


40

5 K2O Kg/hectares 434.00 384.00 335.00

6 CaCO3 per cent 7.50 7.81 8.82

7 Fe 3.90 4.50 3.69

8 Mm 12.80 13.30 12.90

9 Zn 2.41 2.04 2.51

Sources: Village Agricultural extension officer, Bawada- 2011-2012.

Table 4.6 shows that the soils of East zone are converted onto partly saline soils

i.e. the PH value is 8.09 and the Ec of the soil 1.15, which is unsuitable for the crop

cultivation. In this zone there are some pockets in which saline soils and water logged

areas have been developed. The soil of remaining North and West zones are suitable for

the cultivation but in future there saline land.

b) Lift Irrigation and Agricultural productivity:

In Bhandgaon village two important irrigated crops i.e. sugarcane and

wheat are considered. Sugarcane is the most important cash crop of the region.

Covering more than 61.20 per cent of the irrigated area Bering an annual crop, it

requires adequate supply of water almost throughout the year. Wheat is also

important crop (11.00 per cent) which needs irrigation because the rainfall during

winter is very scanty. The main objective is to examine the temporal change in

crop production. (Table 4.7) shows that now there is decease in the production of

sugarcane and wheat due to improper use of water and unsuitable soil

management practices.

Table 4.7

Crop Production in Bhandgaon village

Sr.No. Zone of village Sugarcane yields Tones

per Hectares

Wheat yields Quintals

per Hectares

2000-2001 2010-2011 2000-2001 2010-2011

1 East 140 95 38 28


41

2 North 120 100 32 27

3 West 130 110 34 30

Sources – Complied by the Author 2011-2012.

The East zone experiences decrease in the production of sugarcane and wheat

which is 32.14 per cent and 26.32 per cent respectively. The North and west zone also

experiences the decrease in the production of sugarcane and wheat i.e. in the North zone

it is about 16.70 per cent and 15.63 per cent respectively where as in west zone is 15.38

per cent and 11.76 per cent respectively. It is observed that, the East zone is experienced

critical condition for the production of crop as compared those to those in the west and

North zones.

The above discussion reveals the fact that the village marks disparities in

agricultural production and overall declining trend in the production due to the lack of

awareness among the farmers about the lack of awareness among the farmers about the

standard requirements of water for crops and some miss concepts about the use of water

for irrigation purpose.

4.1.1.8 Measures Adopted to recover saline land Recommendations

for reclamation of degraded land -

The process and practice involved in bringing saline and alkaline soils in to

productive condition are known as reclamation measures. The reclamation method

includes three broad measures such as physical measures, chemical measures and

agronomic practices.

i) Physical Measures :

The physical measures include leaching and draining away of salts with help of

rain, lift irrigation water and providing artificial drainage to affected area. In the

study region there is a need for artificial drainage system particularly in sugarcane


42

tracts along the river banks. Drainage of waterlogged, salt affected soils can be

accomplished by one of the two or a combination of the two methods of drainage.

These are – a) Surface Drainage b) sub-surface drainage sub surface drainage

system has been further sub divided into three sub groups set such as 1)

Horizontal drainage 2) vertical drainage 3) Bio- drainage.

The areas under water logging salt affected salinity and alkalinity are

steadily increasing in the region. Prevention is better than cure is old proverb and

it is useful to act upon it. These measures include lining of distributaries and field,

water courses, advocating proper crop rotations and finally the efficient water

management technology.

ii) Chemical Measures :

The chemical measures include the treatment of gypsum; sulphur and

molasses to affected soils in order to replace sodium in the clay complex by

calcium of all the calcium compounds, Gypsum is supposed to be the best which

helps to reduce soil PH and improves the physical condition of the soil. Sulphur is

also spread on the soil to reduce the alkalinity of the soil. The rich farmers of the

affected areas have used gypsum at many villages but it is not accepted widely in

the region. In sugar factory areas, farmers are using molasses to reclaim alkaline

soils. The press mud (waste products in sugar industry) also helps in reducing

exchangeable sodium and need be used which is locally available from sugar

factories.

iii) Agronomic Practices :

The agronomic practices consist of green manuring of dhaincha, heavy

application of organic manuring and use of rotation system of crops. Some plants

like eucalyptus could be planted along the channels and distributaries to absorb

seepages and leakages water to keep the area free from drainage and water


43

logging problems. Taking high salt tolerant crops like kulathi, onion, wheat fruits

and vegetables, sunflowers etc. along with sugarcane is one of the useful

measures which need to be practiced in the affected areas.

Kipping in view the increasing demand for modes tic, industrial and

export purpose from agricultural sector, the management of both soil and water

resources is most essential particularly in heavy irrigated tracts of the country. In

this regards, the present study would provide sufficient background for

formulating the plan for such affected agricultural areas. This would definitely

help to provide the increasing needs of the time.

4.2.2 Well Irrigation–

After examining Lift irrigation technology, its having real merit to study

other sources of irrigation is an important indigenous methods of irrigation as old

as agriculture. In case of well irrigation schemes it is important to estimate the

availability of ground water potential of the area. This may be obtained by the

bank from the central ground water directorate. The depth of water table,

thickness, aerial extent of underground aquifer may be determined by test drilling

and the factors such topography, rainfall and its distribution type of the soil

should be taken into account while estimating the annual recharge to the ground

water reservoir from the rainfall. The groundwater availability of the area may be

assessed from the existing wells and tub wells and their successful working in

their neighborhood. Also, it is important to make sure that the construction of the

proposed well or tube well scheme will not deplete the available water in the

existing wells in that area. The wells used for irrigation are generally circular with

a diameter of 3 to 4 m and depth of 6 to 12 m. It is dug in the ground to tap the

groundwater especially, where the surface water is scanty. Oil engines and

electric motors are also set up to lift the water for irrigation the fields. As there is

no steady water table, the tube well is neither successful nor economically

feasible in the state.( Government of Maharashtra,1973)


44

4.2.2.1 Pattern of regional Distribution

Well irrigation accounts for about 38.08 per cent of total irrigated area in the

region. However, its distribution varies from Revenue circle to Revenue circle. High

percentages (over 60 per cent) of area under well irrigation are confirmed mainly in the

Sansar Revenue circle due to the available of ground water. The moderate proportion

nearly 30 to 60 per cent is observed in Indapur, Bhigwan, LoniDeokar, NimgaonKetki,

Anturne and Kati Revenue circle. In fact in these Revenue circle most of the part has

limited space for the lift irrigation and some part has more underground water are

available for irrigation. Low per cent (below 30 per cent) has recorded in Bawda Revenue

circle, because the more important given to the lift irrigation and higher


45

Fig.4.4


46

fluctuation of water table have retarded in the central part of the Revenue circle for the

development of this source.

4.2.2.2 Intensity of well Irrigation –

High intensity of well irrigation (over 40 per cent) is observed in Sansar

Revenue circles due to the available ground water. Moderate intensity (20 to 40

percent) is observed in Indapur, Nimgaon-Ketki, LonideokarAnturne and Bawda

Revenue circle. It is due to the high density of wells so that cultivator brings

additional land under well irrigation. Low intensity (below 20 per cent) is

observed in the Bhigwan and Kati Revenue circles. It may be due to the adverse

physiographic conditions. (Fig. 4.5 A)

The last 10 years have witnessed the positive change in the region as the whole.

However, its spatial distribution differs largely. The increase over 30 and 15 to 30 per

cent confined to the Sansar, NimgaonKetki and Anturne where the density of well is

more (Fig 4.5B). In significant i.e. below 15 per cent is observed in the rest of the Tahasil

which is due to the rapid increase in the net area sown as compared to the increase of

irrigated area by this source.

4.2.2.3 Density of wells Irrigation –

There are about 26828 wells in the region however, the distribution of

wells give uneven picture of well irrigation as it ranges from 2165 wells in

Bhigwan Revenue circle to 4744 wells in Anturne Revenue circle. The density of

wells per 1000 hectares of cultivated land may therefore, give a more realistic

picture (Pawar and Shinde, 1979).

Relatively large concentration of wells (over 300 per 1000 hectares) is

observed in Kati and Sansar Revenue circle due to more number of well in

relation to cultivated area and available ground water etc., whereas moderate


47

Fig.4.5


48

Fig.4.6


49

concentration of well (150-300) is observed in Anthurne, NimgaonKetki, Bawda

and Lonideokar Revenue circle due to the very less proportion of other source of

irrigation. The low density of wells (below 150) is mainly observed in Bhigwan

and Indapur Revenue circle due to the less number of well in relation to the

cultivated area and other sources of irrigation i.e. Lift and canal irrigation. (Fig.

4.6)

There is a plenty of scope for digging additional wells in the region. The

technical and financial aid should be provided to the farmers in a cheaper but

carful manner so that there will not be agencies should provide the information

regarding the water table and geological structure at the location well, so that the

farmer could manage the time and cost of construction.

4.2.2.4 Cost benefit analysis of wells and lift irrigation Schemes:

Irrigation is a very significance in put to increase the agriculture

production. It is the key factor responsible for the development of agriculture.

It is clear that, more investment is attempted in the farm activity expecting more

earnings. This clearly, will lead to transformation of irrigation of agriculture

which is profit oriented. Unfortunately in India, the farmers do not keep any

records and accounts which are very important in the process of modernization of

farm practices.

The cost of output per hectare differs in irrigated crops in different source

of irrigation, i.e. well and lifts irrigation. Hence the benefits of well irrigation

differ from the benefits obtained from the lift irrigation. Not only this but also the

cost benefit of different irrigated crops differs spatially within well and lift

irrigations. Keeping in this view, the present work highlight the spatial variation

in the economics of cost benefit of sugarcane and wheat raised under different

source in the study region. The cost benefit analysis means, the difference


50

between per hectare costincurred for producing irrigated crop and the per hectare

outputin terms of money value obtained.An attempt is made here to assessthe

spatial variations in the economy of well and lift irrigation

The present work is purely based on the data obtained through intensive

field work. The author has attempted to assess the comparative. The sugarcane is

a perennial crop and wheat is a seasonal crop, which is grown in Rabbi Season

and it depends mainly on irrigation. Two representative villages, located in the

Bhima and Nira river Basin were selected which are having the

simultaneousavailability of both lift and well irrigation facilities. The average if

different items of cost benefit in a village are considered to analyze the net returns

per hectare are obtained by employing following formula.

NR = AI – CP

Where NR - Net returns per hectares.

AI – Annual income per hectares.

CP – Cost of Production per hectares.

The cost compromises the human and animal labour cost, material cost,

energy charges, maintenance and repair charges, government taxes and other cost.

4.2.2.5 Cost Benefit Analysis:

A remarkable difference in cost benefit is observed between the well

irrigation and lift irrigation schemes in Bhandgaon and NimsakherVillage.Table

4.8 shows the equal labour cost but per hectare use of fertilizers is higher in lift

irrigation (i.e. Rs. 25750 and 28750 respectively) than the well irrigation and the

water is inadequate leading to the low consumption of chemical fertilizers. The

energy charges, however are also considerably high (i.e. Rs. 9000 and 9752

respectively) in the area irrigated by lift irrigation which is mainly devoted to


51

sugarcane. Beside this sugarcane farms of the members of lift irrigation are

scattered which, therefore leads to the wastage of water. This infect, also invites

the operation of electric motor frequently. The maintenance and repair charges of

well irrigation are also high in both the villages (i.e. 1000 and 1100 respectively).

The output per hectare of sugarcane and wheat is considerably low from

well irrigation (Average Rs. 1, 86,750 and 60,000 respectively)as against the lift

irrigation(average Rs.1, 95,750 and 62,500) respectively. In lift irrigation the

farmer pays full attention to each and every farm operation. Therefore, the net

benefit per hectare is higher in case of sugarcane.

4.2.3 Canal Irrigation –

The canal irrigation, in which water is utilized by gravity flow, requires almost

plain topography, having less degree of slop gradient. The study area is having

undulating topography which is largely unsuitable for flow irrigation except valley

bottom areas. The North West part of region is hilly and undulating having less

possibility of flow irrigation. The central part of region is always prone to scarcity and

due to absence of perennial streams the development of canal irrigation is retarded.

In the study region irrigation projects are developed and the canals are taken out

to irrigate down streams areas of these irrigation projects. In IndapurTahasilNira left

Bank canal and Khadhakwasla canal was constructed since 1882 and 1978-79

respectively. The length of the Nira left canal is 30 Km. and Khadhakwasla canal is 42

Km.

4.2.3.1 Pattern of regional distribution –

During the period under investigation, through the area under canal irrigation is

26488 hectors in 2000-2001 from 30286 hectors in 2010-2011.The canal irrigation share

31.51 per cent (30286 hectares) of the total irrigated area.Canal irrigation share to the


52


53

Table-4.8

Cropwiseper Hectare cost benefit of well and Lift Irrigation

village Source Crops Labour

Cost

Preparati-

on cost

Seeds

Manure Fertilizer Energy

Charge

Mainte-

nance

Other Total Output

cost

Net

profit

Nimsakhar well S.cane

22000 18250 15000 15000 24000 7500 1000 500 103250 184500 81250

Wheat

14000 9000 4900 8000 7500 3000 500 500 47400 55000 7600

Lift S.cane

22000 18250 15000 18000 25750 9000 1000 500 109500 189000 79500

Wheat

14000 9000 4900 10000 8000 3000 500 500 49900 60000 10100

Bhandgaon well S.cane

22500 18250 15000 20000 28750 9752 1000 500 115752 202500 86748

Wheat

14500 9500 5000 10000 7500 3000 500 500 50500 70000 19500

Lift S.cane

22500 18250 15000 15000 25000 7000 1100 500 104350 189000 84650

Wheat

14500 9500 5000 8000 6500 3000 500 500 47500 65000 18000

Source: Compiled by the researcher (Based on field work), 2012.


54

total irrigated area,as compared to other source hasdecreased by about (2.29 per cent).

The canal irrigation is confined to the central part ofIndapurTahasil with higher

proportion as above 30 per cent of the irrigated area by canal. This high percentage

mainly found in NimgaonKetki, Lonidevkar and Anturne Revenue circle. Moderate

percentage between 15-30 per cent is recorded in Bhigwan, Kati and Bawda Revenue

circle. Low percentage i.e. below 15 percent is observed in Indapur and Sansar Revenue

circle. The regional pattern of canal irrigation is mainly link with the physiographic

structure of the region. (Fig 4.7)

4.2.3.2Intensity of canal Irrigation –

The spatial distribution of the intensity of canal irrigation indicates the importance

of this source, in the central, North West and South East part of the region where 15 to 30

and above percent of the net area sown in irrigated by canal. These are found in

NimgaonKetki, Lonidevkar, Kati, Bawda and Anturne Revenue circle due to the

favorable physiographical condition for the construction of canal. The intensity less than

15 percent is confined to the Revenue circle of Indapur and Sansar due to short length of

canals and development of other source of irrigation i.e. lift and well irrigation

respectively in Indapur and Sansar Revenue circle.

4.2.4 Tank Irrigation–

Tank irrigation is a technique where by rain and spring water from a catchment

area led into a tank. When stored in the tank, water can be used to wash clothes, to water

animals, etc. but the main purpose is to lead the water through sluices to a lower- lying

command area where the fields are irrigated. Tanks are often connected in a long chain

where surplus water from one tank is led to the next in a large drainage system. Tank

irrigation is important by providing many farmers with the possibility of growing two

crops a year, by reducing damages from floods, by evening out erratic rainfalls and by

increasing the ground water level. (Dikshit, G.S. and et.al.1993).


55

Fig.4.7


56

NIRA LEFT BANK CANAL

KHADAKHWASALA CANAL

ARTIFICIAL WATER STORAGE TANK

PHOTO PLATE NO. 4.2


57

Tank irrigation as a indirect methods of irrigation. The irrigation methods types of

irrigation based on source of water are also largely affected by the physical features uiz.

Topography, geology, soil and presence of ground water etc. these factors are favorable

for the construction of percolation tanks. The tank irrigation is widespread mainly in

peninsular India where agriculture depends on tanks and shallow wells. (Pawar, C.T.

1981). Water percolation tank is one of the best alternative to solve scarcity problem and

by increasing the possibilities of sustainable agriculture.

Water percolation tank refers to an artificial tank mainly developed to store the

water for irrigation and to enrich water table in downstream areas. The device of tapping

rain water has been emerged during the many decodes in famine affected area. Although

the concept of water percolation tank is more popular in the field of irrigation, it has main

folding effect on agriculture landscape.

Indirect Method of Irrigation –

Indirect method of irrigating lands is adopted by constructing the mud- wells

across the small streams for recharging the ground water. This helps in increasing the

water table in command area of the tank. As a result, the water table in the wells in the

common area increases considerably, which has been utilized for irrigation purposes

through dug wells. This is helpful in bringing about the changes in agricultural landscape.

In view of the above, the present investigation aims to analysis the impact of

water percolation tank on number of wells, water table and use of land under different

crops with the help of case study which may give the representative picture of the region

under study. The data related to cropping pattern is obtained from the Talathi (revenue

officer) of the village. The data related to the water table of the well is generated through

intensive field work of generated through intensive field work of the village. It is

important the data pertaining to before construction period of tank was not available. So

last ten year data has be use for the analysis.


58

4.2.4.1Distribution of Tanks:

During the period under investigation through the area under tank irrigation is

1944 hectares in 2000-2001 to 2747 hectares in 2010-2011. It shares to the total irrigated

area; as compared to other sources has about 2 percent. There are 13 tanks in

IndapurTahasil. It distribution various from Revenue circle to Revenue circle out of

which 3 tank are observed in Bhigwan Revenue circle, 6 are in Lonidevkar Revenue

circle,2 are in Kati Revenue circle each 1 in Anthurne and Indapur Revenue circle.

4.2.4.2Micro Level Analysis ( Shetphal Haveli Village ) -

A case study of Shetphal Haveli water percolation tank is undertaken here to

analysis the impact of tank on water table and cropping pattern.

i) Location –

Shetphal Haveli is situated 14 Km. South of Indapur city in IndapurTahasil. It

has 1621.05 hectares of geographical area associated with two small Nala.

ii) Physical Setting :

Physiographical Shetphal Haveli is can be divided into three divisions.

a) Hilly region :-

The small hills located North West part of the village’s covers about 15 to

per cent of the total area of the village.

b) Foot – hill zone :-

It covers 35 per cent of the area which is moderately steep.

c) Plain region :-

It is a gently sloping land which covers 50 percent area of the village.


59

iii) Soils :

a) Medium and Deep Black soil :

It covers 70 percent of the village area and is distributed in southern part

of the village.

b) Coarse shallow Soil :

The considerable percentage i.e. 30 per cent area of the village is covered

by this group which is fertile.

iv) Impact of water Tank :

There are three major impacts of tanks such as impact on number of

wells, underground water table and impact of cropping pattern.

Tank and underground water table:

Shetphal Haveli village is located in the arid region in IndapurTahasil. So

wells play a significant role in agricultural activities of farmers ofShetphal Haveli

village. The distribution of wells in the Shetphal Haveli is uneven and the number

of wells has tremendously increased in the investigation period. At present there

are nearly 371 wells which are distributed unevenly. The wells are densely

observed in central part of the village mainly due to lack of the other irrigation

facilities. Formerly the distribution of wells was very scattered.

It is notices that the map of two periods i.e. 2000 and 2011’s showing the

distribution of wells. There is a tremendous change in the pattern of wells and

their numbers. During the last ten years 278 new wells have come up, especially

in the North West and South west and central part of the village. This increase in

the number of wells can be attributed to the water table mainly due to the water

tank.


60

Fig.4.8


61

Variation in water table:

Wells and their water table have played an important role in the

agricultural activity of the farmers. The distribution of wells was influenced by

the contribution of water tank. Similarly, their water level is also indirectly

influenced by water tank. In the present study with the help of intensive field

work, an attempt is made to locate the present number of well and with figures of

water table on a map. Similar map showing distribution of wells and their water

table (Fig.4.8) was prepared by using the data and the information collected from

the farmers. The map not only shows the distribution of well but also their water

table, based on water table figures the isolines were drawn connecting with equal

water table places. It is fact that water table is high in central, south west and

North West part of the village because of nearness of water Tank. It was also

observing (4 Mts.) that the water table is near surface in the vicinity areas of

reservoir.Whereas it is low (12 Mts.) in the Eastern part of the village.

Tank and cropping pattern:

The construction of tank leads change in cropping pattern. The increase in

irrigated crops has replaced most of the traditional crops i.e. Jawar, Bjara. Table 4.9

reveals the temporal change in cropping pattern.

Table 4.9 shows the area under Banana is increased from 0.36 in 200-01 to 5.98 percent

this mainly due to water availability from tank. There is also positive increase in the area

under pomegranate from 0.09 percent in 2000-01 to 1.11 percent in 2010-2011. The

slightly changes observer in vegetables the area under vegetables increased from 2.08

percent in 2000-01 to 2.40 percent in 2010-11. There is also positive increase in the area

under (26.50 percent) the crops like sugarcane shows positive change with 23.33 percent

increase (Table 4.9). The proportion of rest of the crops shows negative change in the

region.


62

Table 4.9

Cropping Pattern in Shetphal Haveli Village

(2000-2001 to 2010-2011)

Sr. Crops 2000- 2001 2010- 2011 Area

No. Area in

hectare

Percentage

total

Area in

hectare

Percentage

total

change in

Percent

1 Jowar 438 39.70 360 30.77 -8.93

2 Bajra 197 17.84 102 8.72 -9.12

3 Wheat 148 13.41 110 9.40 -4.01

4 Maize 145 13.13 118 10.10 -3.03

5 Pulses 60 5.34 42 3.59 -1.75

6 Vegetable 23 2.08 28 2.40 +0.32

7 Banana 4 0.36 70 5.98 +5.62

8 Pomegranate 1 0.09 14 1.20 +1.11

9 Sugarcane 35 3.17 310 26.50 +23.33

10 Other 53 4.80 16 1.37 -3.43

Total 1104 100 1170 100

Source – Complied by the author 2011-2012

From the forgoing analysis, it is evident that water tank has favorable impact on

number of wells, underground water table and consequent changes in cropping pattern of

the village. There is an increase of water table in the command area. It has directly

influenced the agricultural land use. The proportion of traditional crops has decreased and

cash crops have come up recently.

4.2 Methods of Irrigation

4.2.1 Introduction


63

‘The methods by which irrigation is applied to the land depend on an ideal

conditions, on individual land features such as the slope of land, the crop to be raised, the

nature of the water supply and ability to soil to absorb and hold water’(cantor, 1967 ).

Irrigation methods therefore, are most important for optimum utilization of water.

‘The irrigation methods used in this region differ largely according to the terrain,

soil type and climate condition’ (PawarT.C, 1981). The surface irrigation has basic

method, sub- irrigation (underground) and overhead irrigation. In surface method water is

spread over land by flood, border or strip, furrow and corrugation methods.

Comparatively this method is less economic, where water loses through evaporation and

leaching are more. Moreover, if water is misused the danger of soil being spoiled by

salinity and ground water increase through capillary action are likely sub-irrigation has

some advantages over surface irrigation. It carries the water directly to the root area of

the plants and thus excludes any water losses through evaporation and harm the mellow

soil ready for tillage (Andreae, 1975).

This method is very expensive, however the drawback has compared with surface

irrigation that the installation can become more difficult to maintain and replace and the

irrigation process is more difficult to check. The technologic irrigation methods includes

drop. It can be used in any kind of terrain and are very economical with water, compared

to the surface irrigation methods. Thus, where irrigation water is scarce and expensive

and a high marginal productivity of water therefore has to be aimed at, sprinkler

irrigation is preferred on the other hand, where ample, cheap water is available, surface

irrigation with a lower water productivity can be used ( Andreae, 1975). Mention may

also be made that technological irrigation is a capital intensive irrigation method, while

surface irrigation is a comparatively labour intensive irrigation method.

The irrigation methods used in the region differ largely according to the terrain,

soil types and climatic conditions. The information collected for this is through the

questionnaire for sample villages and also it is supplemented by frequent field visits and

analysis follow irrigation method.

4.2.2 Surface Irrigation Methods –


64

Especially surface methods of irrigation are in practice, which include flood

irrigation, border, furrow and corrugation methods. However, their application is

governed by the slop of the land type of the soil and the cropping pattern. The

predominance of flood and border irrigation is observed in the central eastern part of the

Tahasil Revenue circle of NimgaonKetki, Kati some part of LoniDeokar. This method is

usually found in areas with coarser soil where crops like Jowar, Bajra, and Wheat are

taken.

The furrow irrigation in which water is run in furrow, normally made by

cultivating between two crop towns is used in the western and southern parts of the

region where as slopes are moderate to sleep and soil are lateritic.

It includes the western Revenue circles viz. Anthurne and Sansar. By these

methods water is applied to the crops like sugarcane, Maize, onion and some of the

vegetables. Furrow irrigation is very common because it is adaptable to a great variety of

land slope and soil textures and can be used with either larger or small streams of

irrigation water (Cantor, 1967).

The corrugation irrigation a modification of furrow irrigation, where in water is

applied to the ground in rills, corrugations or small shallow furrow, from which it soaks

laterally through the soils, wetting the area between the corrugations. Such method in the

region is practiced in the river valley and Back water of Ujani dam; in the Revenue circle

namely Indapur, Bawda some part of Bhigwan and LoniDeokar. The crops raised with

this method include sugarcane.

4.2.3 Technological Irrigation Methods –

Technological irrigation methods i.e. Sprinkler and Drip irrigation method is of

recent technique in the field of irrigation is about 4 percent of the total irrigated area of

the Tahasil. Out of this sprinkler irrigation play a very small role in the Tahasil. The main

them of the study is related with a new methods adopted by the various farmers in the

Tahasil. Here, an attempt has been made to examine the spatial distribution of the drip


65

methods of irrigation and to assess the impact of drip irrigation on quality of various

crops in the Tahasil.

A] Drip Irrigation Technique –

The research on drip irrigation has been in progress in India since 1970 onwards.

However, it was only after 1980 they may experiments were made on drip technique.

Different technique of irrigation are available in an economy e.g. flood, basin, furrow,

sprinkler, But drip irrigation system is a relatively new method of irrigation. Drip

irrigation also called trickle irrigation, refers to the application of water at a slow rate

drop by drop through perforations in pipes or through nozzles, attached a limited area

around the plant. It achievers wetting of even smaller surface area than in case of furrow

irrigation in which drip irrigation Water and other nutrients are delivered directly to the

root zone according to the plant needs. The drip irrigation system is said to be 50 percent

more effective than the conventional irrigation systems. It has been estimated that water

loss in conventional irrigation methods is 30-40 percent where as it is hardly 1 or 2

percent in drip system. (SaksenaR.S 1992). The scope of the study is confined to

IndapurTahasil covering all eight Revenue circles. Two villages have been selected from

each Revenue circle where there is maximum use of drip irrigation. Further, the sample

respondents were selected who have adopted drip irrigation and those without drip in

these villages selected. Individual farmers are selected for conduction this study. The

reference period is 6 years that is from 2005 to 2010. In IndapurTahasil the drip irrigation

system has been popularized since 2003 – 04 and use of it is further intensified during the

last years.

i) Definition:

Drip irrigation is defined by various scholars some of the important definition are

given here –

1) “Drip irrigation involves the slow application of water, drop by drop as name

signifies, to the root zone of a crop.”( Shankar V. 1961)


66

2) “Drip irrigation, refers to the application of water at a slow rate drop by drop

through perforations in popes or through nozzles attached to tubes spread over the

soil to irrigate a limited area around the plant.” ( MujumdarD.K. 2004)

3) “Drip irrigation is an efficient method of application of water in which water is

applied at a low rate over a long period of time at frequent intervals with low

pressure delivery system.” ( ChauhanH.S and ShuklaK.N. 1990 )

4) “under drip irrigation system the emitters are placed directly on the soil surface

and the infiltration of water takes place in an area which is small compared to the

total area of the field.” (Govt. of India, 1990).

Thus, the above definitions of Drip irrigation system are concerned mainly with the

application of water. It is related with the use of water directly to the root system of crop.

The application of water is made a slow rare a over period of time. In drip irrigation

method, every drop of water is fully utilized and soils around root system are kept wet for

longer duration promoting fair growth of garden drop.

ii) Historical Background of Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation, as a mercantile product began in 1962. In Israel, there is high scarcity

of water. There was no other way than to use water carefully and efficiently. Israel

developed new techniques in order to provide water to crops in such a way that there will

be no wastage of water and there will be a high percentage of yields. This popular

technique is known as drip and sprinkle irrigation. AruvaDeseart of Israel was the

‘Motherland’ of drip irrigation (Jambure, H.B. 1999).

The invention in drip irrigation has been in progress in India from 1970 onwards but

from 1980, many trials were made on the experimental drip farm at vandular, near

Chennai on the basis of field experiences many improvements to the system and

components were incorporated (Parthsarth, M. 1990). Based on the research findings the

benefit of the system and the interest of the farmers, two national seminars on drip

irrigation were conducted at the T.N.A.U. Coimbatore Development center was

established to collect assemble and co-ordinate all research and field based information.


67

iii) Components of Drip Irrigation System:-

Drip irrigation is a system for supplying filtered water directly into the soil. Water is

carried through an extensive pipe network to each plant. Drip irrigation consists of three

components, i) Head ii) Heart iii) Tail.

The Head part comprises the pumping set with its prime mover, a fertilizer tank with

its regulators and a venture unit to lead fertilizer solutions and irrigation water to the

heart components. The outlet device that emits water into the soil called an Emitter.

A filter is attached for cleaning the suspended materials from water to avoid clogging

of nozzles, which is regarded as the heart of the system. The main types of filters are

Gravel filter, Hydro cyclone filter and screen filter. Gravel filter, is required to remove

organic matter when water source is from pond, open well, canal etc. Hydro cyclone type

of filter is required to remove the sand. It is also known as a vertex-sand-separator. The

screen filter is fitted in series with the gravel filter in order to further remove the solid

impurities like fine sand, dust, etc. The type, size and numbers of filters required depend

upon the quality of water and the discharge in the control head.

The tail components include the main feeder pipe, mains and sub mains and laterals

fitted with drip nozzles and spread on the field in rows. Laterals or drip lines are made of

flexible P.V.C tubes of 1 to 1.25 cm diameter. The laterals can be adjusted in the field for

variable spacing. Laterals may be up to 50 m. Long. The main feeder line may be placed

along the central line of the field and laterals on both sides of the main line.

A drip nozzle trickles water at a very low rate depending on its size and shape and the

pressure head. Pressure regulator controls pressure in one way i.e. high to low pressure

regulators are required on large scale design for normal small system a simple by pass –

valve can be used to control pressure in the system. This is the heart of the drip system

from which the water drips at a constant low discharge

iv) Distribution of drip irrigation – As already mentioned that the

reference period of the study has 6 years i.e. 2005 – 2011. Table 4.10 explains


68

that during 6 years the land under drip has been increased from 351.39

hectares in 2005 to 4214.38 hectares in 2011.

The Revenue circle of Bawda has recorded maximum area under drip irrigation i.e.

1180.46hectare.(4.10). this can be attributed to the recent growth in sugarcane cultivation.

The Revenue circle of Kati, NimgaonKetki and AnturneRevenue circle have recorded

moderate area (between 400 to 800 hectares) under drip irrigation. In these Revenue

circles irrigation sources are less than otherRevenue circles and more area under

Horticultural crops having in this Revenue circles, due to this reason farmers attitude

toward drip irrigation. This is partly due to the poor economic conditions of thesome

farmers of this zone and they are unable to invest heavy capital required for drip

irrigation. The remaining Revenue circle of Bhigwan, Indapur and Sansar has recorded

low proportion (less than 400 hectares) of area under drip due to per rental sources

ofirrigation. The farmers of this zone furrow irrigation methods are used maximum

levelTherefore the drip irrigations have recorded in low proportion.

Table 4.10

Revenue circle wise Area under Drip Irrigation in IndapurTahasil

(Area in Hectares)

Sr. No. Revenue circle 2005 2011 Change

1 Bhigwan 7.86 206.74 198.88

2 Indapur 6.30 240.02 233.72

3 LoniDeokar 22.95 377.08 354.13

4 NimgaonKetki

104.93 696.64 591.71

5 Bawda

43.19 1180.46 1137.27


69

6 Kati

44.51 773.95 729.44

7 Anturne

98.32 573.14 474.82

8 Sansar 23.33 166.35 143.02

351.39 4214.38 3862.99

Source – Agricultural office, Indapur 2010 -2011

The temporal variations are also observed in the Tahasil. There is a successive of

Bhigwan (206.74), Indapur (240.02) have recorded the considerable increase in drip

irrigation. The remaining Revenue circles of Lonideokar ( 377.08 hectare),

NimgaonKetki (696.64 hectare ), Bawda ( 1180.46 hectares) Kati ( 773.95 hectare),

Anturne ( 573.14 hectare ) , Sansar ( 166.35 hectare ) have recorded high

concentration of drip irrigation area ( Table 4.10).

v) Economics of Drip Irrigation System –

The economics of drip irrigation includes expenditure incurred as a variable cost

i.e. cost related to wages of the workers, cultivation cost, seeds, fertilizer, pesticides,

electricity, maintenance, interest and other expenditure. An attempt is made here to

compare the cost of drip irrigation system with traditional or conventional method of

irrigation. The drip irrigation has been used for the specific crops. In drip irrigation

system Banana, grapevine, pomegranate and sugarcane are the most important cash

crops. About 80 percent farmers used these systems for the above crops. Nearly 40

percent farmers have used drip system for the sugarcane cultivation. Remaining 40

percent are share with Banana, grapevine, and pomegranate cultivation. For comparative

analysis two crops have been selected to understand the economics of drip irrigation i.e.

sugarcane and Banana. The data have been collected through the questionnaire and

interviews of the farmers selected random.

A) Crop wise Economy of Drip Irrigation –


70

1) Banana - Generally, wages, rate of interest, electrical charges are common for

both the crops in the region. Electrical changes mostly depend upon horse power

consumption basis as farmers use electric motors with different capacity in H.P.

this to variation in the cost. In the drip irrigation system drip set requires zero

pressure, therefore the 3H.P. motors is enough for all size of group holdings and

also all crops.

The observation of field survey revealed the fact that some part of the Tahasil

has endure from scarcity of water. Even drip irrigation are not use sufficiently in

NimgaonKetki Kati and eastern part of Bhigwan and Southern part of Lonideokar

circles due to less amount of availability of water. The farmers are use water

tankers for their crops for operating the drip set specifically during the water

shortage period like summer season.The farmers utilize the chemical fertilizers

for Banana with drip sets. Due to this resonthe cost of expenditure

Table No. 4.11

IndapurTahasil

Economy of Drip irrigation in Banana and Sugarcane

Sr.

No.

Particulars Banana Sugarcane

With Drip Rs.

Per Hectare

Traditional method

Rs. Per Hectare

With Drip Rs.

Per Hectare

Traditional method

Rs. Per Hectare

1 Wages 20000 7500 12500 20000

2 Cultivation 20000 20000 15000 15000

3 Seeds 43750 12500 15000 22000

4 Fertilizer 75000 80000 43750 55000

5 Pesticides 30000 30000 12500 12500

6 Electricity 5000 5000 7500 8750


71

7 Maintenance 12500 12500 1000 900

8 Interest 1250 -- 10000 --

9 Other 2500 2500 1500 1500

Total input 210000 170000 118750 135650

Total output 700000 525000 357500 302500

Net profit 490000 355000 238750 166850

Source – Complied by researcher based on field work 2011 – 2012.

CULATIVATION UNDER DRIP IRRIGATION

GRAPES CULTIVATION


72

POMEGRANETE CULTIVATION

Photo Plate No.4.2

on wages has been reduced. The production taken by these farmers is always higher (i.e.

about 27 percent) than the traditional cultivation because the quality of Banana is always

good as compared to quality of Banana in traditional irrigation Methods.

2) Sugarcane –

Based on the field observation the average output in terms of yield per hector of

sugarcane is essentially high i.e. 162 metric tons in drip irrigation. Because the water,

fertilizers and spry of pesticides on sugarcane deceased are provided time to time as per it

requirement. It is observed that the growth of sugarcane is more (30 percent) i.e. it arrives

to early maturity stage as compared to the traditional method of sugarcane farming.

(Table No. 4.11) Sugarcane growers in drip irrigation area can earn extra income by

taking inter cropping system of some like Maize, Groundnut, Wheat, Vegetables etc.

vi) Advantages of drip irrigation Method:


73

The drip irrigation has to give a great value to dry areas in the region. The method

has various advantages some of the advantages of this method are summarized here as

follow –

1) The method can be adopted in sloping land and irregular topography without any

erosion hazard.

2) Physical conditions of soils are maintained in congenial form of plants by

maintaining optimum soil water, air balance around plant bases. It results is

increase in the quality of fruits or crops. So the farmers received satisfactory

income of their produce.

3) Weeds and pest problems are at minimum level because there is no wet area in

between two drippers. Land is irrigated only to the root zone.

4) The crops irrigated by drip are free from pests and diseases as soils never become

excessively wet. This leads to reduction of cost pesticide and insecticides.

5) The drip irrigation method considerable saving of water ( 50-80 percent ). It can

be irrigated there times more area than the traditional system with the same

amount of water. The traditional irrigation system and the drip irrigation system

differ.

6) Localized application of fertilizers is made with irrigation water. Due to which 33

percent cost of fertilizers can be saved.

7) Zero percent pressure requirement for drip set only 3 H.P. or 5 H.P. electric motor

pumps are sufficient. So electricity charges are reduced.

8) Loss of water through evaporation and seepage is reduced.

9) There is also an improvement in fertility of soils because the salt is thrown away

continuously by wet root zone.

10) Labour cost is minimized because there is no need of more labour when land is

brought under drip irrigation.

vii) Limitation to growth of drip Irrigation :

There are some limitations to the growth of drip irrigation in the region

1) Initial cost of installation of the system is high.


74

2) Govt. subsidy is not sufficient and interviews with farmers have revealed that

subsidy amounts are not reached to farmers in proper time.

3) Farmers have faced the problem of clogging of drip set. The dust particles are

mixed useful for drip the river water by which such water is not well water also

contains some chemical organs and salts. Thus, laterals, micro tubes are clogged.

4) Dealers, manufacturers and any authority in respect of this technology have not

provided any kind of training or extended help to the farmers.

5) Farmers do not receive services sale from the dealers.

6) Life of drip set is reduced due to the continuous use of saline water.

7) Quiet drip sets are not suitable for the use of undiluted or solid fertilizers.

8) Rats chew the dippers and laterals for the purpose of seeking the water which

leads the damage.

Actually Drip irrigation is water saving technology and is essential for agricultural

sector. In view of present scarcity conditions the success of this technology depends upon

active participation of farmers and there Economic condition. Therefore, there is need to

organize the conferences demonstrations and exhibitions on drip system. Besides, the

provision of training and repairing at central places is required which could be facility by

govt. agencies.

4.3 Water storage Technology

This is one more form of technology developed by farmers to store transported water

based their experience. This has been practiced by few horticulture growers in the central

famine affected parts of IndapurTahasil and it requires heavy capital investment. To

transportation of water from any sources i.e. rivers, well and tub wells during summer

season when there is acute storage of water, has become usual picture in this horticultural

zone.

4.3.1 Nature of Agriculture pond


75

Storage tank also called as Agriculture ponds. Agricultural ponds are new devices to

storage of water. The Agricultural ponds are constructing in the vicinity of horticulture,

gardens, on the land reserved and where truck or tractor tankers can easily approach. The

size of storage tank ranges from 16×8×3 Mts. To 33×16×4 Mts. (212 Cu. Mts.) or more

than this as per the requirement determined by the area under fruits garden. Such efforts

have been mode in individual level. The farmers have to invest for the purchase of truck

tanker and construction of water storage tanks.

The tanks are commonly constructed in cement. In the bare rock layers, as per

requirement, tanks are prepared and the bottom and vertical sides are covered entire by

thick polithin papers to stop water to be percolated underneath layer. Usually one tanker

with capacity of 10000 Lts. is used to transport water from various sources. The cost of

transportation increases with the increase in distance.

Generally a one tank cost about Rs. 5 lack’s which can be afforded by rich

Horticulturist. Presently, this has been practiced largely by the Revenue circle of

Anthurne and NimgaonKetki due to access to Nira Left canal and Back water of Ujani

dam. In many cases small size holder of fruits cultivators purchase water store in small

sized storage tanks prepared. In order to minimize evaporation from this storage tanks

some edible oil is mixed so as to cover surface layer of water stored water is lifted by

pumps and supplied to drip system.

4.3.2 Water storage pits –

In something additional to the above recently at Bori and nearby villages in Anthurne

Revenue circle, some Horticulturist has device new technology to store transported water.

In this technology, small pits with 3×3×1 Mts. Dug manually by skilled labour or by jcb

machine and transported water stored with covering bottom and all sides with the polithin

paper but recently these pits are constructed with cement. The number of pits depends on

the requirement of water. Besides this, pits are located close to gardens from which water

is lifted by pumps and channelized further through drip irrigation system. The cost of


76

construction for these pits is less than the large sized agricultural ponds. Therefore the

small fruits growers can afford themselves.

When water is badly needed from May onward up to June end such activities are

undertaken by the farmers. This is the period during which the generation food in the

stems of fruit trees is taking place and future productions depend on the water availability

during only summer season. The above irrigation technology suggests that how farmers

have become aware about the economic use of water to maximum agricultural

production.

4.4 SUMMARY –

Irrigation is played a very significant role for development of agriculture. The study

deals with spatiotemporal distribution of means of irrigation technology and its impact on

the cropping pattern and the yield of crop. IndapurTahasil is agriculturally developing

part of the district of Pune, where natural flow of rivers has been tapped by constructing

small Kolhapur type weirs across the river course. This could be the new technique in the

field of irrigation. However the fertile flood plain offers favorable environmental

conditions of for irrigation development.

The region has different sources of irrigation. The lift irrigation is mainly confined

region to the Northern, Southern, Eastern and North West of the lift irrigation accounts

27.55 percent of the total irrigated area. Rural electrification, heavy electricity subsidies,

institutional financing for pump sets and constructions of K.T. weirs on rivers have

played an important role in promoting the development of lift irrigation. The concept of

lift irrigation technology is the recent in the field of irrigation. It has main folding effects

on agricultural landscape. This leads to bringing about the change in agricultural

landscape. The traditional cropping pattern is replaced by the irrigated crops. Such study

at micro level indicates that there is a positive impact on cropping pattern and crop

productivity.

The studies of lift irrigation reveal that there is also negative impact on agricultural

land leading to the development of saline lands. A micro level study reveals that there is


77

improper use of water and soil resources, which have reduced the inherent qualities of

soil and yields of crop. At present in the Tahasil has 6617.44 hectares of saline affected

area. Recently National Agricultural Development plan (RashtriyaKrushivikasyojana )

tried to increase the soil productivity of saline soil by use the ‘sub-surface drainage

system’.

The preceding analysis reveals that the well irrigation is mainly confined to the

central north and western parts of the Tahasil. Well irrigation accounts for about 38.08

per cent of the total irrigated area of the region. Well irrigation seems to be suitable

source of irrigation in the famine affected region in the Tahasil. The crop wise, Village

wise and sources wise analysis clearly indicate the regional variations in the economics

of irrigation. The study indicates that the lift irrigation technologies have shown high

output than the well and hence the farmer receives more benefits.

It is observed that the canal irrigation has received significant importance in the

Tahasil. Canal irrigation account for about 31.51 percent of total irrigated area in the

region.

The forgoing analysis reveals that the water tank is one of the best alternatives to

solve the scarcity problem and thereby increasing possibility to enrich water table in

downstream areas. More tanks is observed in Northwest, central and central south part of

the Tahasil. A micro level study of water tanks, Reveals that there is an average increase

no. of wells water table nearby water tank. The study also reveals the temporal change in

cropping pattern; the irrigated crops have replaced the traditional crops.

The irrigation methods used in the region differ largely according to the terrain, soil

types and climatic conditions. Mostly surface methods of irrigation are in practices which

include flood, boarder, furrow, corrugation irrigation. The subsurface and over head

irrigation i.e. drip and sprinkler irrigation methods are the recent technique in the field of

irrigation. They have little significance in the region. The study of drip irrigation schemes

reveals that during last 6 years the land under drip irrigation has increased by 3862

hectare. The Revenue circles of Bawda, NimgaonKetki, Kati and Anthurne have recorded

high and moderate area under drip. The crop wise economy of drip irrigation reveals that


78

there is an increase in term of quality and quantity of crops. The farmer receives high

returns. There is needed to make the farmers aware about the facilities provided by the

government regarding loons and subsidies for drip sets. Recently many Horticulturist in

central part of the region of the Tahasil have devised water is stored technology. The

transport water is stored in artificially constructed tanks nearby fruits garden and then

supplied by the pumps through drip irrigation system during scarcity season. This could

be solution to scarcity condition. Beside, small pits have been prepared near fruits garden

mostly in grapes garden to store water by which the problem of evaporation is

minimized. However such technology requires heavy capital and also needs. Close

vicinity of perennial source of water.

References

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Cantor Leonard, M. (1967): World Geography of Irrigation. Olive and Boy, London, Pp-

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