Join 60,000+ competitive exam aspirants
Why is regular and controlled irrigation important for crop production?
It makes plants dependent on artificial watering.
It reduces fertilizer use by supplying nutrients through water.
It ensures optimal water supply at critical growth stages.
It increases soil salinity and prevents root growth.
It ensures optimal water supply at critical growth stages.
Regular and controlled irrigation is vital because crops require specific amounts of water at various physiological stages, such as germination, flowering, and grain filling. Providing water at these critical growth stages ensures efficient nutrient uptake and maximizes yield.
Regular and controlled irrigation is vital because crops require specific amounts of water at various physiological stages, such as germination, flowering, and grain filling. Providing water at these critical growth stages ensures efficient nutrient uptake and maximizes yield.
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), launched in 2015, focuses on 'Har Khet Ko Pani' and 'Per Drop More Crop' to improve water-use efficiency in Indian agriculture.
Critical stages for irrigation are specific developmental phases where moisture stress can permanently damage crop yield.
Controlled irrigation prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and soil aeration issues.
Efficient irrigation management is essential for sustainable agriculture in rain-fed regions like the Deccan Plateau.
Fertigation is the practice of applying fertilizers through irrigation systems, but irrigation itself does not inherently reduce fertilizer requirement.
Excessive or uncontrolled irrigation contributes to soil salinity and waterlogging, which ruins soil fertility.
Option A is incorrect as irrigation is a management tool for yield, not a mechanism to create dependency.
Option D describes the negative consequences of poor water management, not the purpose of irrigation.
C is correct тАФ It ensures optimal water supply at critical growth stages.
Link this to Geography (Soil Science) by noting how over-irrigation in states like Punjab and Haryana has led to widespread secondary salinization, a topic frequently asked in UPSC and State PSC exams.