Performance evaluation of canal irrigation system at the tertiary level of Upper Ganga Canal using remote sensing

Abstract

This study underscores the critical importance of assessing the performance of the Upper Ganga Canal (UGC) and its minors, Harchandpur and Naserpur. The UGC serves as a lifeline, providing water for both agricultural and non-agricultural purposes in the region, making it vital for food security, rural economies, and environmental sustainability. The uniqueness of this study lies in its comprehensive evaluation of the efficiency of UGC using a multifaceted approach, encompassing meteorological data, field observations and remote sensing. The monetary aspects of the irrigation system performance, which were often ignored in previous studies, have also been included in this study. The study, conducted from 2012 to 2018, assesses various performance indicators. The findings reveal that the capacity of UGC to meet peak irrigation requirements highlights the potential for increased crop production. However, it also demonstrates a concerning decreasing trend in the availability of water, driven by rising non-agricultural water demands. Several performance indicators, such as relative irrigation supply (RIS), relative water supply (RWS), depleted fraction (DF), and crop water deficit (CWD), expose inefficiencies in the system, especially during the sugarcane growth period. Despite supplying ample water, sugarcane exhibits a water deficit, possibly due to the annual maintenance closure of the UGC. This calls for a revision of irrigation scheduling to address changing agricultural practices. Future research can expand this work to include climate change impact assessment, economic analyses, advanced technologies, and socio-economic factors. In summary, this study provides critical insights into the performance of UGC, highlighting the need for modernization and equitable water distribution to meet evolving agricultural demands while addressing the challenges of decreasing water availability and the changing climate. © International Society for Tropical Ecology 2024.