Traditional Methods of Irrigation

Traditional methods of irrigation denote several irrigation techniques that were mainly used in earlier days. In earlier days, technology was not much advanced. So, farmers mainly used their cattle to provide water to the lands through various traditional techniques. Human resources were also used for this purpose. These methods were very simple and cheap as there was no machinery used in these techniques. However, the methods required lots of physical effort and the water supply also was not proper. This article deals with types of traditional methods of irrigation prevalent in India and worldwide.

What is Irrigation?

Irrigation means providing adequate water to the crops at different intervals of time that are necessary for their growth. The irrigation frequency varies according to the nature of the crops, the nature of the soil and according to the season.

Agriculture serves as a central pillar of our nation’s economy. Besides high-quality seeds and fertiliser, water is very crucial for agriculture. Because plants need a sufficient amount of water for their proper growth throughout the year. To maintain the fertility of the soil and to promote proper ploughing, an adequate water supply is also needed.

What is the Traditional Method of Irrigation Class 8?

These are the methods of irrigation that have been practised in various areas since many centuries. In these methods, human resources and cattle are mostly used. No use of modern technology or machineries are seen. These can be regarded as simple, eco-friendly and cheap methods of irrigation. But, these methods are not as efficient as the modern methods of irrigation. As these practices require lots of human effort and equal distribution of water is not always possible in this method.

Mostly in earlier days when the technology was not much advanced, farmers practised the traditional methods of irrigation for the seed germination, to maintain the soil fertility and for the rapid growth of their crops. In certain areas, these techniques are practised even today in the case of small farms or gardens.

Traditional Methods of Irrigation in India

In earlier days, farmers used several techniques to irrigate their lands for better production of their crops. Some of the examples of traditional methods of irrigation are as follows:

Check Basin Method

This method is best for irrigation in levelled fields. In this method, the entire field is divided into several basins. Each basin remains connected with small drains. The main water source is found at the topmost place of the field. It is an inexpensive method and technology is not used in this method. This method of irrigation is also helpful for larger areas. Soil erosion can also be prevented in this method.

Furrow Irrigation Method

Furrow irrigation method is very useful for the plants that are cultivated in rows. In this case, small trenches are made between the crops and farmers flow the water through the small trenches. It is also a cheap and labour-intensive method of irrigation. Furrow irrigation is commonly used for row crops such as corn, cotton, and vegetables, providing an efficient way to deliver water while minimizing waste and optimizing crop growth.

Strip Irrigation Method

In this method, the entire land is divided into strips. Strips can be different in size. The strip is made based on the land structure. It is also a simple and cheap method of irrigation. This method requires less labour. The water is supplied directly to the root zone of plants through narrow strips, conserving water and minimizing wastage.

Basin Irrigation Method

Basin irrigation is a simple and effective method where water is applied to the soil in small, shallow depressions or basins surrounding the plants. This is a type of surface irrigation. An elevated platform encircled by a dyke is created. Then, this platform is provided with unidirectional water flow. This technique allows water to infiltrate the soil slowly, promoting better absorption by the roots and reducing runoff. Wastage of water is seen in this method. It is also an inexpensive method.

Modern Methods of Irrigation

These are the techniques that are used nowadays for irrigation. Modern technologies are used in this method. These are time-saving methods of irrigation. Some of the modern methods are:

• Sprinkler System: It uses horizontal pipes connected to revolving nozzles on perpendicular pipes to irrigate crops. On uneven surfaces also it can be applied.
• Drip System: A method of micro-irrigation that delivers nutrients and water straight to the crop root zone using drip emitters. It is regarded as one of the most cutting-edge and effective irrigation methods available.

Traditional Irrigation Systems in Various Parts of India

Geographically India is a diverse country. According to the landform in various parts of India, different types of irrigation systems were used traditionally. Various traditional irrigation systems in various parts of India are mentioned below:

Region	Irrigation System	Description
North India	Zing	It was used in Jammu and Kashmir. Here, melted glacier water was collected in tanks and used in irrigation.
	Naula	This method was used in Uttaranchal. Here, stream water was collected in small wells for irrigation.
	Kuhl	It was used in Himachal Pradesh. Here, surface channels were made to collect river water for irrigation.
	Guhl	In this method, diversion channels were used to irrigate lands.
	Baudi	It was mainly used in some districts of Himachal Pradesh such as Kangra, Mandi etc. Here, water tanks were used to irrigate lands.
	Khatri	In this method, pits were made to collect the rainwater that seeps through the rocks.
	Ahar Pynes	It was mainly found in Bihar. It was a form of rainwater conservation. Ahar for collection of water and pynes means channels to supply water to the land.
South India	Eri System	It was found in Tamil Nadu. Eri means water tanks. They were used to collect and store rainwater for irrigation.
	Kattas	This method was found in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Kattas are small tanks that were used to collect and store rainwater.
	Keres	This was also found in Karnataka. Keres are tanks that were connected by canals and were used to collect rainwater for irrigation.
	Ahar Pynes	In South India, It was mainly found in Kerala. Ahar is the water storage system and pynes are channels that were used to supply water to the land.
	Check Dams	It was mainly found in the hilly region of south India. In this method, small dams were made on the seasonal rivers and thus water is collected for irrigation purposes.
	Anicut System	This system was found in Kerala and Tamilnadu. Dams were made on the rivers and thus water was collected for irrigation purposes.
North-East India	Bamboo Drip Irrigation	This method was seen in Meghalaya. Here, Bamboo pipes were used to supply the spring water to the field.
	Zabo and Dongs	This method was mainly used in Assam. Zabo are the bamboo pipes used to supply stream water to the land and Dongs are small ridges that were made along the sloping area to preserve water for irrigation.
	Paddy cum fish culture	This was mainly found in Manipur. Here, small fish ponds were made within paddy fields.
	Apatani paddy and fish culture	It was seen in Arunachal Pradesh. “Apangs” or channels were made to supply water from mountain rivers to the land. Small fishes were cultured in the crop fields also.

Advantages of Traditional Methods of Irrigation

Traditional methods of irrigation provide various advantages to us. They are:

• These irrigation techniques are very simple. So, they do not require any prior technical knowledge to use them. They can be used properly by any common people.
• These techniques of irrigation are best to use for the levelled fields.
• Traditional methods of irrigation are performed under human supervision. So, crops get adequate water and more land area can be irrigated properly.
• These methods of irrigation cause less or no soil erosion.
• The traditional methods are cheap and can be done with little economic investment.

Disadvantages of Traditional Methods of Irrigation

These methods of irrigation have numerous drawbacks. They are:

• Traditional methods of irrigation require lots of physical effort and they are also time consuming methods.
• These methods sometime cause water-logging.
• Wastage of water can be seen during the traditional methods of irrigation.

Conclusion – Traditional Methods of Irrigation

Traditional methods of irrigation have been used in India since many decades. These are simple, cheap and eco-friendly methods but as they are time consuming and require lots of physical effort, most of these techniques are not practised nowadays. In certain areas, some traditional methods of irrigation are performed even today for small farms, gardens etc.

FAQs on Traditional Methods of Irrigation

What is Traditional Method of Irrigation Class 8?

Traditional irrigation methods are the methods of irrigation that have been practised for many decades. These are simple, cheap and eco-friendly.

What are the Four Traditional Methods of Irrigation?

The four traditional methods of irrigation include – Check Basin Method, Furrow Irrigation Method, Strip Irrigation Method and Basin Irrigation Method.

What is the Difference that can be Found Between Traditional and Modern Irrigation Systems?

Traditional methods of irrigation are simple and require little economic investment but the methods are not efficient. Modern irrigation methods are expensive but very efficient.

What is the Advantage of using Traditional Methods of Irrigation?

The methods require little economic investment. The traditional methods do not require any technical knowledge .

What is the Disadvantage of Using Traditional Methods of Irrigation?

The methods are very time consuming. The traditional methods of irrigation require lots of physical effort from humans and cattle.

What is the Oldest Method of Irrigation?

Surface irrigation also known as gravity irrigation is the oldest method of irrigation.

Why are Traditional Methods of Irrigation are Still Used?

Traditional methods of irrigation are still used due to factors such as their simplicity, affordability, and lesser technical complications.

What is Meant by Traditional or Conventional Methods of Irrigation?

Traditional or conventional methods of irrigation refer to age-old techniques used by farmers, such as furrow, flood, etc often relying on natural water sources like rivers, wells, or rainwater without modern technology.

What is Traditional Methods of Irrigation Moat?

The traditional method of irrigation called moat involves digging shallow trenches around plants to trap water, allowing it to slowly seep into the soil and reach the roots, helping in crop growth without excessive water use.

What are the Two Traditional Methods of Irrigation Class 8?

The two traditional methods of irrigation are surface irrigation, where water flows over the soil surface, and sub-surface irrigation, where water is distributed below the soil surface.

Where can I Find Traditional Method Of Irrigation Class 9 Notes?

Traditional Methods of Irrigation are the old ways of irrigation which have been in use for centuries. Cattle or man power is generally used for them. Read about Traditional Methods of Irrigation class 9 here.