2024, Vol. 7, Issue 7, Part I

author(s)
Kushal, Laxman Navi, Sushma HA, Saniga NS and Santosh Arganji

abstract
Command areas are those systematically irrigated by strategically demarcated and managed reservoirs to ensure efficient and equitable distribution of water for crop cultivation. Many of these reservoirs supply irrigation water to the command areas through an open-channel gravity flow water distribution network, which leads to significant water loss. Only 40 to 60 percent of the water is effectively utilized by the crops. The rest is lost in the system or on the farm, either through evaporation, seepage, runoff or percolation into the groundwater. The population of mankind is increasing at a distressing rate and humans are tapping into natural resources to meet their needs. Available resources, including water and food are falling short to cope with mankind's increasing demand for industrial, agricultural and domestic purposes. To overcome this problem, it is essential to conserve water in many ways and utilize it so that food production is sufficient to meet mankind's needs at a reasonably low cost. Irrigation is one of the tools to increase food production from agricultural land and conserve water. Increasing water use efficiency through improved agronomic practices and modern technologies will help attain higher crop yields and increase the net returns of farmers, making agriculture profitable (Anon., 2017). Here, we will discuss different approaches to improve water use efficiency in command areas.