TANK IRRIGATION

Problems and Solutions of tank irrigation:

 The problems of several non-system tank irrigation system through detailed studies:

• Encroachment, siltation, soaking of supply channels resulting in poorer / no-inflow of water, pollution of tank water by tannery and dying factory influence (Coimbatore, Erode, Salem Districts)
• Tank chains almost disappear and their hydrologically interlinking, any improvement could revive the tank will have benefit of exploiting full tank irrigation through appropriate or selective moderanisation benefit
• Owing to vagaries of man, only 50-60 % of supply is realized by crop diversification.

Solutions to overcome problems of tank system irrigation

• De-silting for reviving the original capacity,
• Tank fore shore,
• Plantation to arrest the silt flow,
• Feasibility of connecting small different tanks into the percolation pond for ground   water recharge,
• Rehabilitation of tank structure and inward channels are the solutions emanated from the tank system researches

Other technology options for poor quality water:

• Conjuctive use of relatively fresh surface water and poor quality ground water with proper proportions are recommended
• Growing of salt tolerant crops in the saline water, irrigation belt along with proper drainage facility
• Community bore wells during the period of erratic water supply in canal command areas enhanced the crop water availability and there by their yields and net returns.