METHODS OF IMPROVING DUTY
- The factors affecting the duty have been explained in previous article of this chapter.
- If these factors are somehow made less effective the duty of water can be considerably increased.
- Methods of improving duty have been enumerated as follows:
- By selecting such method of applying water.
- which would cause least wastage by way of seepage, percolation, and evaporation.
- Land should be properly ploughed and levelled so that a thin sheet of water may evenly be spread over it.
- The fields should be frequently ploughed.
- This measure reduces loss of moisture specially.
- when ground water is within capillary reach of the ground surface.
- Fields should be divided into small kiaries.
- Smaller the size of kiaries more will be the duty of water.
- Area to be irrigated should be located as near the canal as possible.
- This reduces coveyance losses and duty is increased.
- In other words idle length of the canal should be minimum.
- Volumetric method of assessment should be adopted.
- Only that much land should be given to the farmers as they can carefully look after.
- Farmers should be given training for judicious use of water.
- All the canals, water courses should be lined.
- The alignment of canal either in sandy soil or in fissured rocks should be avoided.
- Severe punishments should be awarded for those who get irrigation water by unlawful means.
- Deliberate canal cuts should be prevented by resorting to effective patrolling of canals by the staff.
- Water tax should be increased. This measure will force farmers to use water more economically.
- Research stations should be established in adequate number and research in regard to moisture conservation, and economical use of water should be continuously carried out.