ABSTRACT
Irrigation is vital in a semi-arid, agriculture-based economy, such as India. Only 43 per cent of the net sown area in the country is irrigated.1 An increase in area under irrigation provides direct benefits to the users, ensures food security and contributes to the overall development of the economy. The rise in agricultural productivity contributes to increased incomes, indirect employment generation and increased consumption. However, growing demand to irrigate multiple crops and water-intensive crops has increased the pressure for supply, allocation and use of irrigated waters. Additionally, demand for irrigation water for other uses, including industry, human consumption, inland fisheries and water tourism, has added to the irrigation water stress in the country.
