Question

Irrigation water pricing of canal water in most states is based on

• A. Area irrigated only
• B. Type of crop cultivated only
• C. Area and type of crop cultivated only
• D. Volumetric supply of water

Hint:

Canal water tariff in India: Non-volumetric, assessed on Crop-Area basis (Crop type + Irrigated acreage).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Water tariff structures for public canal irrigation in India are administered on an assessment basis reflecting crop water duty and acreage.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In almost all Indian states (under State Irrigation Acts):
Canal irrigation water pricing is non-volumetric.
Irrigation revenue is assessed based on the crop-area basis (Rs. per hectare for a specific crop season, e.g., higher rates for water-intensive cash crops like sugarcane and paddy, lower rates for pulses/cereals).
Thus, pricing depends directly on both the area irrigated and the type of crop cultivated.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, water pricing is based on Area and type of crop cultivated only, corresponding to option (C).