Why does rice farming in West Bengal require extensive irrigation?

Rice farming in West Bengal requires extensive irrigation because the crop is primarily grown in flooded fields, a method known as paddy production. To achieve successful yields, these fields must be inundated with water to a depth of several inches throughout the greater part of the growing season.1

While West Bengal receives significant rainfall, this specific cultivation requirement necessitates consistent water management to maintain the necessary depth of flooding. Consequently, irrigation—facilitated by systems such as dams, canals, and water-lifting devices—is a fundamental requirement for productive land use in the region.213