Methods of Irrigation

By Ajay Anand

Irrigation

Farmers need to supply water to crops at regular intervals. This practice is called irrigation.

Sources of Irrigation: Wells, tube-wells, ponds, lakes, rivers, canals, etc.

Traditional Methods of Irrigation

In traditional method, human or animal labour is used.

Moat, Rahat, Dhekli and Chain Pumps are examples of traditional methods of irrigation.

Moat (Pulley System)

This is composed of a pulley, a bucket and a rope.

When rope is pulled through over the pulley bucket comes up filled with water.

Moat (Pulley System)

This is composed of a pulley, a bucket and a rope.

When rope is pulled through over the pulley bucket comes up filled with water.

Chain Pump

Chain pump is composed of a wheel which is turned with the help of a chain.

Many circular discs are fitted along with the chain.

Movement of discs along with the chain helps in drawing water.

Dhekli

Dhekli is composed of a long wooden beam which turns around a lever.

A bucket is fitted at the longer end of the beam.

The shorter end is pressed and raised by foot to fill and lift water.

Persian Wheel

Rahat is also called Persian Wheel because it came from Persia.

Rahat is composed of a big wheel with buckets fitted on the rim.

Rahat is turned with the help of cattle, which helps in drawing water from a reservoir.

Modern Methods of Agriculture

Sprinkler System

The sprinkler system is composed of a series of pipelines.

Vertical sprinklers are fitted at suitable gaps on the pipes.

The nozzle of the sprinkler keeps on rotating, which sprinkles water on plants.

Drip Irrigation

In this system, pipes are laid near the base and along the queue of plants.

The pipes have small holes at frequent gaps.

The holes facilitate gradual dripping of water on the base of plants.

Importance of Irrigation

Plants contain nearly 90% water.
Water is essential for germination of seeds.
Water is essential for proper growth of plants.

Next Story