(a) whether a large area of the country is under irrigation;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) whether a large cultivable area in the country having huge potential for agricultural
output for coarse cereals, pulses and oilseeds continues to be dependent on rain;
(d) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and
(e) the details of the steps taken to increase the irrigated area in the country?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,
FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) & (b): As per the available data, the net irrigated area in the country is about
62.28 million ha. (2007-08). The state wise net irrigated area is given at Annexure - I.
(c) & (d): It is estimated that coarse cereals, pulses and oilseeds are grown under
rainfed conditions in about 66.57 million ha. The state wise details are given at
Annexure - II.
(e): Water being a State subject under the Constitution, schemes for development of irrigation are conceived,
planned and implemented by the respective State Governments. The Government of India encourages the State
Governments to create additional irrigation potential through early completion of the ongoing major and
medium irrigation projects and for taking up minor irrigation schemes by providing grants under the
Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP). Central grant is also provided to the States for
`Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies` (RRRWB) and `Command Area Development and Water
Management` (CAD&WM) schemes for efficient utilization of created facilities.