7-Hydrological instrumentation problems associated with rainfed agriculture

Abstract

The International Action Programme on Water and Sustainable Agricultural Development (IAP—WASAD) was developed by FAO in collaboration with the relevant UN organizations and member nations (1990). The motto of the International Action Programme was to establish a holistic approach to water resources for integrated development of irrigated and rainfed farming, livestock, fisheries and agroforestry and emphasizes the importance of water and soil conservation and environmental protection (FAO, 1992, 28). However, to make these efforts successful and revival particularly in terms of sustainable agriculture and rural development (SARD), it will be a wise step if common farmers can well realize the value of rational and judicious use of available water by various sources on the earth's surface. The importance of water resources can definitely be realized by those farmers where crop farming is rainfed. So, for the minimization of water crisis for irrigation in terraced crop fields in the Himalayan hills in particular, two most peculiar aspects are worth mentioning:

i. To generate baseline data in terms of crop hydrology for a considerable period, and ii. To harvest rainwater in the seasons of its surplus and to recycle it for irrigating crops in seasons of drought or deficit rainfall.