Which of the following is the largest contributor to irrigation in India?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is: (D) Tube wells and canals

Explanation:

• Tube wells and canals are the largest contributors to irrigation in India.
• Canal irrigation is prevalent in areas with perennial rivers (like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh), while tube wells are widely used in regions with sufficient groundwater (like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, etc.).

Information Booster:

• India has the largest irrigated land area in the world.
• Canals are a form of surface irrigation, drawing water from rivers and reservoirs.
• Tube wells are a form of groundwater irrigation, operated using electric or diesel pumps.
• Together, they account for over 70% of the irrigated land in the country.
• The government promotes efficient irrigation through schemes like PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana).

Additional Information:

• Sub-irrigation: A minor and localized method, not widely used.
• Tanks: Common in South India, but contribute a smaller share overall.
• Rainwater harvesting: Helps in groundwater recharge but is not a primary source of direct irrigation.