Which of the following is a major source of irrigation in Madhya Pradesh?
- (a)Ponds and Lakes
- (b)Canals and Rivers
- (c)Canals and Ponds
- (d)Wells and Tube wells
Correct — D, Wells and Tube wells. Groundwater-based irrigation (dug wells plus electric/diesel tube wells) has long irrigated the largest share of Madhya Pradesh's net irrigated area, ahead of canals — farmers across the Malwa Plateau and central highlands rely heavily on groundwater because the state's canal network, though growing, does not reach every farm.
- (a)Ponds and Lakes — A minor, localised irrigation source in MP — nowhere near dominant for the state as a whole.
- (b)Canals and Rivers — Canal irrigation is significant and has grown with Narmada-linked dam projects, but it has historically covered less net irrigated area than groundwater.
- (c)Canals and Ponds — Pairs a significant source (canals) with a minor one (ponds); together they still fall short of groundwater's share of net irrigated area.
India's — and Madhya Pradesh's — irrigated area draws from a mix of sources: canals, tanks/ponds, wells & tube wells, and other minor sources. In MP, wells and tube wells (groundwater) have historically irrigated the largest share of net irrigated area, well ahead of canals, tanks, or other sources — though large dam-and-canal projects on the Narmada have been expanding canal irrigation's share in recent years.
The trap is assuming MP's famous big dam projects (Bargi, Tawa, Indira Sagar) mean canals dominate — in terms of area actually irrigated, decentralised groundwater extraction through wells and tube wells still covers more farmland than the canal network.
- Wells and tube wells (groundwater) have historically been Madhya Pradesh's largest irrigation source by net irrigated area
- Canals are the second-largest source and have grown with Narmada-linked dam projects
- Tanks/ponds are a comparatively minor irrigation source in MP
- The Malwa Plateau and central highlands are especially groundwater-dependent for irrigation
Groundwater (wells & tube wells) irrigates more of MP than any other single source.
- Assuming famous named dam projects (Bargi, Tawa, Indira Sagar) mean canals are the top source by area irrigated
- Confusing 'source of irrigation' (a means, e.g. groundwater) with 'irrigation project' (a specific named scheme)
MPPSC often asks which source dominates net irrigated area in MP — remember groundwater (wells/tube wells) leads; canals are catching up but have not overtaken it in the exam's reference data.
No directly related past PYQ was found.
- practice — not a real PYQ
In Madhya Pradesh, the share of canal irrigation has been expanding mainly due to:
- (a)Tank rehabilitation schemes
- (b)Narmada-linked dam and canal projects
- (c)Rainwater harvesting schemes
- (d)Drip irrigation subsidies
Answer(b) Narmada-linked dam and canal projects (e.g. Bargi, Indira Sagar, Omkareshwar).
- practice — not a real PYQ
Which of the following is the SECOND-largest source of irrigation (by net irrigated area) in Madhya Pradesh, after wells and tube wells?
- (a)Tanks/Ponds
- (b)Canals
- (c)Other sources
- (d)Lift irrigation
Answer(b) Canals.