Improving water productivity in a canal command through conservation of surface and ground water using tanks and wells.

Abstract

The eastern part of India has one of the most favourable eco-system for agriculture, yet the agricultural production is much lower than its potential. Even though several factors are responsible for poor growth of agricultural productivity, lack of irrigation water availability and its reliability are the major constraints in realizing the production potential. The efficiency of the irrigation projects has been quite low. Therefore, attempts are made to study the technical, operational, environmental and economic feasibility of a canal system, Kuanria Medium Irrigation project (KIP) in Nayagarh district of Odisha, augmented with rainwater harvesting and well systems for supplementing canal waters and crop diversification including fish, vegetables and pulses production. The project site covers two blocks viz. Daspalla and Nuagaon with geographical area of 571.57 and 385.24 sq. km, respectively. Kharif rice, brinjal and green gram are the most important crops occupying 90.4, 8.8 and 10.6% of the total command area, respectively. KIP irrigates 3780 ha benefiting about 37,000 people living in 67 villages under the command area. Amount of water released was highest in the month of Oct (354.3 and 314.2 ha m through LD and RD, respectively). During the period of July to October major amount of water was released from the Kuanria dam which is sufficient to irrigate 3780 ha of cultivable command area (CCA). Amount of released water was less during lean period (Dec-Jun) in comparison to monsoon period (Jul-Oct) as a result of which it is able to irrigate only 1908 ha of CCA. The current measured discharges in minors and sub minors of KIP were low in comparison to original design discharge because of changes in cross section due to erosion and soil deposition. As a result flow velocity and carrying capacity reduced. Even though water was supplied at higher water level than the designed, tail-end farmers did not receive adequate and timely supply of water. Multiple use of water is successful through fish culture and on dyke crop cultivation. Water productivity is increased by multiple use of water.