water is required for the crops in farming In many areas of our country. the rainfall is unpredictable and uncertain. So different arrangements are made for irrigation for agricultural crops in areas of scanty rainfall When crops are watered usually by the arrangements of wells, tube wells (bore-wells). reservoirs of small or large checkdams and ponds. It is called 'Irrigation".
The main means of irrigation In our country are as follows :
1. Wells and tube-wells (bore-wells): Wells and tube-wells are main means of irrigation in India. Irrigation is practised in the level plains through wells and tube-wells (bore-wells).
2. Canals: Large reservoirs are created by building dams across the rivers and the water is transported up to the farms by canals. Some projects like Sardar Sarovar Project. Ukai Project. Dharol Project. etc. are important irrigation projects active in Gujarat. The fertility of the soil reduces if the canal water is continuously and excessively used for irrigation, which affects adversely the crop production in long-term.
3. Khet Talavdi (Farm pond): The khet talavdi is built on the sloppy uncultivated land with the patch of grassland The rainwater is stored in it. After the rain stops. this water is used for irrigating the crop whenever it is required.
4. Checkdam: A strong dam is built across the flow of small rivers, streams or rivulets (springs) to prevent the flowing water. it is called 'Checkdam'. The water level in the wells and the tube-wells rises by constructing checkdams.