In India, which region is NOT suitable for tube-well irrigation due to non-alluvial tracts?

The correct answer is Plateau regions.

Key Points

• Plateau regions in India, such as the Deccan Plateau, are characterized by hard rock formations and non-alluvial soil, making them unsuitable for tube-well irrigation.
• Tube-well irrigation requires soft, porous, and permeable alluvial soil to facilitate water extraction, which is not present in plateau regions.
• These regions often lack sufficient groundwater recharge due to rocky terrain and limited aquifer systems.
• In contrast, regions like Punjab, Western Uttar Pradesh, and Coastal Plains have fertile alluvial soil and abundant groundwater, making them ideal for tube-well irrigation.
• Farmers in plateau regions primarily depend on rainfall or surface water sources such as tanks, reservoirs, and rivers for irrigation.

Additional Information

• Alluvial Soil and Irrigation:
  • Alluvial soil is formed by river deposits and is rich in nutrients, making it fertile and ideal for agriculture.
  • Its porous structure allows easy water percolation, which facilitates the use of tube-well irrigation.
• Groundwater and Aquifers:
  • Groundwater is stored in aquifers, which are layers of permeable rock or sediment that can hold and transmit water.
  • Plateau regions typically have fractured or impermeable rocks that hinder groundwater storage and extraction.
• Deccan Plateau Characteristics:
  • It is composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks, which are hard and non-porous.
  • These features limit the region’s ability to support groundwater-based irrigation systems like tube-wells.
• Alternative Irrigation in Plateau Regions:
  • Farmers rely on surface irrigation methods such as canals, tanks, and rainwater harvesting to meet their agricultural water needs.
  • Government initiatives promote micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems to optimize water use in these areas.
• Indian Irrigation Practices:
  • Approximately 48% of India’s net sown area relies on irrigation, with tube-wells being a major source in alluvial regions.
  • Regions unsuitable for tube-well irrigation often implement watershed development projects to improve water availability.