Question

The irrigation likely to be used, where water supply is ample and market value of crop is low, is

• A. Drip irrigation
• B. Check basin irrigation
• C. Wild flooding irrigation
• D. Sprinkler irrigation

Hint:

Efficiency comes at a price.
Low crop value $\rightarrow$ Low technology.
Ample water $\rightarrow$ Low efficiency tolerated.
Modern pressurized systems (Drip/Sprinkler) are for "Water Scarce" and "High Value" scenarios.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to select an irrigation method based on two economic/logistical constraints: abundant water availability and low profit margins for the crop.
Detailed Explanation:

• Economic Principles of Irrigation:
The choice of irrigation depends on the cost of water versus the value of the crop.
Drip and Sprinkler: These are "High Efficiency, High Cost" systems. They are only economically viable for high-value crops (horticulture, fruits) where every drop must be saved because water is scarce or expensive.

• Wild Flooding Irrigation:
In this method, water is simply turned into the field from a canal or pump and allowed to spread randomly over the land.
It requires zero investment in pipes, emitters, or leveling.
However, it has the lowest efficiency because much of the water is wasted.
If water is "ample" (plentiful and cheap), the farmer does not care about wastage. If the crop value is "low" (like some low-grade fodder), the farmer cannot afford to buy expensive irrigation equipment.

• Check Basin:
This is slightly better than flooding because it involves making small plots with bunds. It requires more labor than wild flooding.

• Suitability Analysis:
Wild flooding is the default choice for subsistence farmers in canal-irrigated areas with low-value field crops.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Due to the lack of financial incentive to save water, wild flooding is the most likely method used under these conditions.