Importance of increasing the area under irrigation
Increasing the area under irrigation is important due to several reasons:
1. Ensuring food security
Irrigation is essential for increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security. With the world population increasing rapidly, it is important to have more land under irrigation to increase agricultural yields and meet the growing demand for food.
2. Mitigating the impact of drought
Irrigation can help mitigate the impact of drought by providing water to crops when rainfall is insufficient. In areas where rainfall is erratic and unpredictable, irrigation can ensure that crops are not affected by drought, thereby ensuring food security.
3. Improving rural livelihoods
Increasing the area under irrigation can contribute to the development of rural areas by creating employment opportunities, increasing income, and improving the standard of living of the rural population. Irrigation can also facilitate the development of agro-based industries, thereby providing additional livelihood opportunities.
4. Increasing agricultural exports
Irrigation can increase agricultural productivity, which can lead to higher exports of agricultural products. This can contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector and the overall economy.
5. Conserving water resources
Efficient use of water resources is essential for sustainable agriculture. Irrigation can help conserve water resources by reducing water wastage and improving water use efficiency. This is particularly important in areas facing water scarcity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, increasing the area under irrigation is essential for ensuring food security, mitigating the impact of drought, improving rural livelihoods, increasing agricultural exports, and conserving water resources. Governments and policymakers need to prioritize the development of irrigation infrastructure to reap these benefits.