Why does agriculture in Madhya Pradesh depend heavily on rainfall?

Agriculture in Madhya Pradesh remains heavily dependent on rainfall primarily because only a portion of the state's total sown area is currently irrigated. While the state utilizes canals, wells, and tanks for irrigation, these systems are not yet sufficient to cover all cultivated land.1

This reliance is compounded by the state's monsoon-governed climate, where most precipitation occurs between June and September. Because irrigation infrastructure is limited, agricultural productivity is vulnerable to the uneven distribution of rainfall, leaving some regions frequently susceptible to drought. Efforts to improve water security include multipurpose river projects, such as the Sardar Sarovar Project and the upcoming Ken-Betwa River Link Project, which aim to expand irrigation capacity in drought-affected areas.213