Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why is irrigation important for agriculture in Rajasthan?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Map highlighting the Indian state of Rajasthan in orange, located in the northwest of India with its capital Jaipur marked. Surrounding countries including Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka are shown, along with major bodies of water such as the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. — Rajasthan Rajasthan, India.

Irrigation is essential for agriculture in Rajasthan because the state faces significant challenges with scant and scattered rainfall, particularly in its arid western and northwestern regions where annual precipitation can be as low as 4 inches (100 mm). Because the agricultural sector employs about two-thirds of the state's working population and accounts for one-fourth of its economic output, extensive irrigation is required to maintain productivity.12

While the soil in some areas, such as the northwestern desert, contains nitrates that can support cultivation, these lands remain unproductive without reliable water supplies. Irrigation enables the growth of water-intensive crops like rice in the southeast and northwest, and it supports the cultivation of various other crops across the state.32

To meet these needs, Rajasthan relies on a network of water projects, including the Indira Gandhi Canal, which transports water from the Beas and Sutlej rivers, as well as shared initiatives like the Bhakra Nangal project and the Chambal Valley project. These systems are vital for both agricultural output and drinking water.2