How do canals and tube wells support farming in Haryana?

In Haryana, agriculture is a vital component of the state's economy, contributing significantly to national food grain reserves. Because much of the state's land is arable but requires consistent water to remain productive, irrigation systems are essential for supporting farming.12

Canals and tube wells serve as the primary infrastructure for this purpose. These systems were expanded significantly following the Green Revolution in the 1960s, which introduced high-quality seeds and modern agricultural technologies to boost productivity.31

While the state relies on these irrigation methods, their distribution is critical due to the state's climate, which is characterized by arid to semiarid conditions and low annual precipitation. This reliance is particularly important in the southern and southwestern regions of Haryana, which are prone to chronic droughts. By providing a reliable water supply, canals and tube wells allow farmers to cultivate a wide range of crops—including wheat, rice, cotton, and sugarcane—in areas that would otherwise struggle with water scarcity.31