Importance of Increasing Area under Irrigation
Increasing the area under irrigation is crucial for several reasons, as outlined below:

Enhanced Agricultural Productivity:
- Irrigation allows farmers to control the timing and amount of water their crops receive, leading to higher yields and better quality produce.
- It helps in mitigating the effects of droughts and erratic rainfall patterns, ensuring a more stable food supply.

Food Security:
- With a larger area under irrigation, countries can produce more food to feed their growing populations.
- It reduces reliance on rain-fed agriculture, which can be unpredictable and lead to food shortages during dry spells.

Economic Growth:
- Increased irrigation can boost agricultural output, leading to higher incomes for farmers and improved rural livelihoods.
- It can also create employment opportunities in the agriculture sector and spur overall economic development.

Water Use Efficiency:
- Irrigation systems can be designed to be more water-efficient compared to traditional methods like flood irrigation.
- Proper irrigation management helps in conserving water resources and minimizing wastage.

Climate Change Resilience:
- Irrigation can help adapt to the impacts of climate change by providing a reliable water supply for agriculture.
- It enables farmers to diversify their crops and cropping patterns, making their systems more resilient to extreme weather events.
In conclusion, increasing the area under irrigation is essential for ensuring food security, promoting economic growth, and building resilience to climate change. It is a critical investment in sustainable agriculture and overall development.