Question

"Provision of irrigation makes multiple cropping possible." Support the statement with suitable arguments in Indian context.

Answer 1

In the Indian environment, irrigation is critical to supporting multiple cropping.

1. Extended growth seasons: Irrigation enables farmers to extend their growth seasons beyond the monsoon period. This means they can farm crops throughout the year, allowing for many harvests.
2. Crop Diversification: With a consistent water supply, farmers can vary their crop selection based on the water needs of different plants. This results in the production of multiple crops in succession or concurrently.
3. Increased Productivity: Irrigation provides a continuous water supply, which is especially useful during dry seasons. This consistency increases crop productivity, allowing farmers to engage in numerous cropping cycles.