Correct option is A
Assertion (A) is correct: Tanks are indeed one of the primary sources of irrigation in Peninsular India. Tank irrigation involves storing water from seasonal rainfall and runoff, which is then used for agricultural purposes, especially in regions with limited access to perennial river water. Tank irrigation has been a traditional practice in southern states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, where rainfall is not consistent throughout the year.
Reason (R) is also correct: Most rivers in Peninsular India are seasonal. Unlike the perennial rivers in Northern India (fed by Himalayan snowmelt), Peninsular rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri are mainly rain-fed, leading to fluctuations in their flow. This seasonal nature of the rivers makes tank irrigation an important and reliable method for farmers during the dry months.
