CHANGE IN CROPPING PATTERN UTILIZING NARMADA MAIN CANAL WATER : A CASE STUDY OF BARMER DISTRICT

Abstract

Irrigation is the most important determinant which triggered chain reaction in Indian agriculture. The scenario of canal irrigation system has change due to performance and environmental problems, which lead to exploiting of alternate sources. Considering the importance of Narmada main canal water and its effect on cropping pattern, the study is taken up in Barmer district of Rajasthan. This zone of Rajasthan has high saline water and hence agriculture output was very poor. More than 65 % of lands were barren and could grow only throny trees. Bajara is the dominant crop in this district. In Barmer before Narmada main canal water most of the areas were irrigated by wells only and total irrigated area was 106249 ha. After Narmada main canal water supply 879 ha. area is irrigated by canal water and total irrigated area is increased to 130193 ha. After Narmada main canal water area of wheat is decreased by 0.1 %, production is increased by 24.76 % and yield is increased by 24.9 %. Area of jowar is increased by 12.66 %, production is increased by 21.79 % and yield is also increased by 13.58 %. Area of onion is decreased by 20.25 %, production is also decreased by 47.45 % and yield is going down upto 30.11 %.