IMPORTANCE OF

IRRIGATION
REPORTED BY: J-LYSLLIE V. CULANGO
IRRIGATION
Irrigating crops is an agricultural practice that
goes back thousands of years in human history.
Despite significant advances in technology over time,
the basic purpose of irrigation is much the same: to
supplement water available through rainfall for the
purpose of increasing crop yields and/or crop quality.
IRRIGATION
Agriculture plays a big role in the development of
the Philippine economy and attainment of inclusive
growth. Irrigation in an important component of the
agricultural system. It raises land productivity by
providing sufficient water to crops to increase yield
and ensure stability of production, even under
extreme weather conditions.
IMPORTANCE OF IRRIGATION
 As an agricultural country, irrigation in the Philippines is
of dire importance. More than one third of the country’s
nearly 90 million inhabitants depend on farming and
fishing for a living
 Bringing more land under cultivation: Data from the
National Irrigation Administration (NIA) show that the
country has about 10.3mn ha of agricultural lands. Out of
this, around 3.1 million ha are considered irrigable, with
up to three per cent slope and primarily devoted to rice and
corn. 
IMPORTANCE OF IRRIGATION
IMPORTANCE OF IRRIGATION
 Insufficient,uncertain and irregular rain causes uncertainty
in agriculture. The period of rain is restricted to only four
months in a year, June to September, when monsoon
arrives. The remaining eight months are dry. There is some
rainfall during the months of December and January in
some parts of the country. Even during monsoon, the
rainfall is scanty and undependable. With the help of
irrigation, droughts and famines can be effectively
controlled.
IMPORTANCE OF IRRIGATION
 Higher productivity on irrigated land: Productivity on
irrigated land is considerably more than the productivity
on un-irrigated land.
 Since Philippines has a tropical climate, it has the
potentialities to grow crops on a year-round basis.
Provision of irrigation facilities can make possible the
growing of two or three crops in a year in most areas of the
country. This will considerably enhance agricultural
production and productivity.
IMPORTANCE OF IRRIGATION
 Reduces instability in output levels: Irrigation
helps in stabilizing the output and yield levels. It
also plays a protective role during drought years.
Since both income and employment are positively
and closely related to output, prevention of fall in
output during drought is an important instrument
for achieving stability of income and employment
in the countryside. 
IMPORTANCE OF IRRIGATION
 Indirect benefits of irrigation: Irrigation confers indirect
benefits through increased agricultural production.
Employment potential of irrigated lands, increased
production, helps in developing allied activities, means of
water transport etc. are improved income of government
from agriculture. Availability of regular water supply will
increase the income of farmers imparting a sense of
security and stability in agriculture.
REFERENCES:

 https://www.agriculture.com.ph/2018/02/12/philippine-agr
iculture-saddled-by-poor-irrigation-systems/
 http://www.fareasternagriculture.com/crops/agriculture/is-t
he-philippine-irrigation-system-running-dry
 http://www.economicsdiscussion.net/essays/irrigation-
importance-sources-development-and-limitations/2108