The Evolving Oasis: Modernizing Irrigation in Rajasthan’s Arid Regions

Rajasthan’s irrigation system has changed dramatically since 2000, through infrastructure developments and technological interventions. Expansion of irrigation to drier areas has been primarily via modernization of canals and pumps, especially through the Narmada and Indira Gandhi canals, and expansion of agricultural production in previously dry areas. The expansion and use of more tube wells has increased capacity, but also raised questions about the sustainability of groundwater sources. Also important are traditional practices such as johads (percolation ponds/check dams) and the chauka system, where remarkable expansion of capturing groundwater flush has restored groundwater levels and adaptability. There are positive initiatives from government projects—Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and Rajasthan Agricultural Competitiveness Project (RACP) to encourage agricultural practices for better use of water and through improvements in micro-irrigation. Reduction of groundwater supplies, climate change, and farmer adaptability remain key unresolved challenges. This chapter will assess these changes in irrigation since 2000, highlighting changes due to infrastructure development and technological intervention, and how these changes have impacted agricultural sustainability and water resource management. This chapter will answer the following research question: “Since 2000, how have developments in infrastructure and technological interventions transformed irrigation practices in Rajasthan, and how have they impacted agricultural sustainability and water resource management states?” In this chapter, we will bring together empirical data, analysis, and case studies to help provide a rich and comprehensive perspective on the multiple ways that infrastructure developments and technological interventions have drastically transformed irrigation practices in Rajasthan. This chapter will provide useful insights for formulating sustainable water resource management strategies in arid and semi-arid regions of the world, contributing to the water security and agricultural sustainability debate.