The main canal irrigated areas are in the northern plains of india were uttarpradesh, punjab, haryana , rajasthan and bihar account for about 60 per cent of the canal irrigated area of the country.

Canal Irrigation in India

Introduction
Canal irrigation is a predominant irrigation system in India, contributing significantly to the agricultural sector. It involves the construction of canals to divert water from rivers or reservoirs to agricultural fields, ensuring a reliable water supply for irrigation purposes. Canal irrigation plays a crucial role in increasing agricultural productivity and promoting rural development.

Significance of Canal Irrigation
Canal irrigation holds immense importance in India due to the following reasons:

1. Enhanced Agricultural Productivity: Canal irrigation provides a consistent water supply, enabling farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year. It helps in increasing the yield and productivity of agricultural lands.

2. Reduced Dependence on Rainfall: India is predominantly an agrarian economy, and rainfall patterns can be erratic. Canal irrigation reduces the dependence on rainfall, minimizing the risk of crop failure during droughts or inadequate monsoons.

3. Facilitates Multiple Cropping: With canal irrigation, farmers can practice multiple cropping, i.e., cultivating more than one crop in a year. This leads to higher agricultural production and increased income for farmers.

4. Facilitates Crop Diversification: Canal irrigation allows farmers to diversify their crops based on water availability. They can opt for cash crops or high-value crops that require a continuous water supply, thereby improving their economic prospects.

5. Boosts Rural Economy: Canal irrigation provides employment opportunities in the construction and maintenance of canals, thus contributing to rural economic development. It also supports agro-based industries, generating additional income sources.

States with Predominant Canal Irrigation
Several states in India have a significant presence of canal irrigation systems. Some of the states where canal irrigation is predominant include:

1. Punjab: Known as the "Granary of India," Punjab has an extensive canal irrigation network. The Bhakra Nangal Canal and the Indira Gandhi Canal are the major canal systems in the state.

2. Haryana: Haryana also heavily relies on canal irrigation. The Western Yamuna Canal, the Gurgaon Canal, and the Hansi Butana Canal are crucial canal systems in the state.

3. Uttar Pradesh: The Upper Ganga Canal, the Lower Ganga Canal, and the Sharda Canal are prominent canal systems in Uttar Pradesh, facilitating irrigation across vast agricultural lands.

4. Andhra Pradesh: The Krishna Delta Canal and the Godavari River Basin Canal are significant canal systems in Andhra Pradesh, providing water for irrigation in the fertile Krishna and Godavari river deltas.

5. Rajasthan: Rajasthan has the Indira Gandhi Canal, often regarded as the lifeline of the Thar Desert. It has transformed the arid landscapes of the state, making agriculture possible in previously barren regions.

Conclusion
Canal irrigation has emerged as a vital irrigation system in India, contributing to increased agricultural production, reduced dependence on rainfall, and overall rural development. Various states have invested in canal infrastructure, ensuring a reliable water supply for irrigation purposes. This irrigation method has played a crucial role in transforming barren lands into fertile agricultural fields, improving the livelihoods of farmers, and boosting the rural economy.