What are the positive impacts of irrigation on Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area?
The introduction of canal irrigation has transformed the ecology, economy, and society of the region. The availability of soil moisture for longer periods, along with afforestation programmes, has resulted in greening the land. This has helped in reducing wind erosion and siltation of canal systems.
Irrigation has brought a perceptible transformation in the agricultural economy. It has led to an increase in cultivated area and intensity of cropping. Traditional crops like gram, bajra, and jowar have been replaced by wheat, cotton, groundnut, and rice. Consequently, there has been a tremendous increase in agricultural and livestock productivity.
Explanation
The answer is derived directly from the provided text which highlights the transformation in ecology, economy, and society. Key positive impacts mentioned include the greening of land due to soil moisture and afforestation, reduction in wind erosion and siltation, increase in cultivated area and cropping intensity, a shift from traditional subsistence crops to cash crops, and a rise in agricultural and livestock productivity.