Well Irrigation: Arguments For and Against It

Read this article to learn about the arguments for and against well irrigation.

Arguments For:

Following points are in favour of well irrigation:

1. The well irrigation system may be introduced at any time when cultivator feels it necessary.

2. Rainfall even if scanty does not affect tube well discharge immediately.


3. Water is more economically used. To give examples, firstly, when rainfall starts irrigation may be stopped without delay. Secondly, as water charges are based on the actual volume of water supplied to the cultivators, they use it cautiously.

4. The patches of land which are not commanded by canal, can be very easily brought under irrigation by sinking wells provided good underground water conditions prevail at the site.

5. As the source is situated in the middle of the area to be irrigated, the water losses in transit and handling are less.

6. Duty of well water is higher than canal water.


7. It improves the underground water-table conditions. Water-lagging is reduced to quite a good extent by well irrigation.

8. Unlike- canal water well water is warm in winter and cool in summer. This condition is more suitable for crop growth.

Arguments Against:

Following points are not in favour of well irrigation:

1. As the water is to be lifted up before taking it in the water courses the working expenses are high.


2. As machinery is used for lifting water it is always liable to give troubles.

3. The water is free from silt. The silt if present in irrigation water helps crop growth. The well water lacks in nutritional property due to absence of silt load.

4. Life of a tube well is shorter than flow irrigation system.

Comments are closed.