Role of Multipurpose River Valley Projects in the Agricultural Development of India Since Independence

There are competing demands for water as a result of rising population, expanding urbanization, fast industrialization, and the need to increase agricultural productivity. The monsoons have been essential to India’s agriculture since ancient times. Agriculture is greatly impacted by changes in monsoon patterns. Even the rising temperatures are having an impact on Indian agriculture. Nearly 60% of cropland is used for growing crops, and these crops will be most affected by climate change. The implementation of major and minor irrigation schemes has greatly benefited the nation; however the sustainability objectives have not yet been met. The relatively recent action of connecting rivers has created new irrigation opportunities that may raise production and productivity while also eradicating regional disparities. This chapter is the result of numerous publications from the Planning Commission, Ministry of Agriculture, Central Water Commission Report, Government of India, Working Group Minutes Report, blogs, and other related agencies; it comprehensively discusses the various aspects of irrigation with particular reference to multipurpose projects addressing the development of irrigation facilities. Achievements in Indian agriculture since independence, such as the major and medium irrigation projects strategy, the nation’s water grid system, and a detailed look at the different types and sources of irrigation, from categorization of water sources in India to intensification of irrigation with the most recent data on irrigation development source-wise and different plan periods, as well as the most urgent issue of climate change.