“Jharkhand Irrigation System & Agriculture: Traditional & Modern Methods, Major Projects, District-Wise Data (2021–22)”

Jharkhand, a mineral-rich and agriculturally significant state in eastern India, faces unique challenges in water resource management due to its plateau geography and rocky terrain. This blog presents a comprehensive analysis of the irrigation system of Jharkhand, detailing traditional and modern irrigation methods, such as open wells, ponds, tube wells, canals, and other local techniques, based on the latest 2021–22 data. Learn how only 15% of the state’s cultivable land is irrigated, with wells and ponds each contributing 32%, tube wells accounting for 7%, canals for 2%, and other methods for 34%. Explore a district-wise breakdown of irrigation coverage, with Palamu, Deoghar, Godda, Hazaribagh, and Dumka leading in irrigated land percentage. The article also highlights key major and medium irrigation projects like Suvernarekha Multipurpose Project, Ajay Barrage, Konar Reservoir, Amanat Barrage, and many others that play a pivotal role in agricultural sustainability. This detailed resource is highly useful for competitive exam aspirants (JPSC, JSSC, UPSC), geography enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a deep understanding of Jharkhand’s water and irrigation infrastructure.

General Overview

Only 23% of Jharkhand’s total land area is under agricultural use.
As per the Economic Survey 2022–23, agriculture and allied sectors contribute approximately 14.7% to the state’s Gross Value Added (GVA).
43% of the state’s workforce depends on agriculture and related activities for employment.
Scientific studies suggest that 38 lakh hectares (around 47.69% of the state’s total area) is potentially cultivable.

Major Crops of Jharkhand

The three main crops are:
- Paddy (Rice) – Most dominant.
- Maize (Corn) – Second most cultivated.
- Wheat – Third in production rank.

Irrigation and Farming Techniques

Jharkhand’s agriculture is primarily rainfed due to lack of irrigation infrastructure.
Only 15% of the net sown area is under irrigation.
Wells are the primary source of irrigation in the state.
Agricultural modernization faces barriers due to:
- Rugged topography.
- Small landholdings.
- Presence of wastelands.

Land and Cropping Patterns

About 17.38% of the state’s land is fallow (uncultivated).
The average landholding per individual is only 1.17 hectares.
78% of the total cultivated area is used for Kharif crops.

National Horticulture Mission Coverage

17 districts of Jharkhand are covered under the National Horticulture Mission.

Fiber Crops

Apart from jute, Mesta is grown in Jharkhand as a fiber crop.

Institutional Support

A proposal exists to establish the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) by ICAR, New Delhi in Barhi, Hazaribagh district.

Classification of Crops

Kharif Crops

Sowing: June–July (with the onset of the monsoon).
Harvesting: September–October.
Major crops: Paddy, maize, jowar (sorghum), bajra (millet), moong (green gram), groundnut, sugarcane.
Types:
- Bhadai: Sown in May–June, harvested in August–September.
- Aghani: Sown in June, harvested in December.
Cultivation Stats (2021–22):
- Paddy: 5365 thousand tonnes.
- Maize: 606 thousand tonnes.
Area Share:
- Paddy: Covers 84.7% of Kharif area (1,938 thousand hectares).
- Maize: Covers 14%.

Rabi Crops

Sowing: October–November.
Harvesting: March.
Also called: “Cold Season” or “Vaishakhi” crops.
Main crops: Wheat, barley, gram (chickpeas), oilseeds.
Area share: 16% of total sown area.
Constraints: Due to plateau topography, wheat and barley are cultivated mainly in irrigated or valley areas.
Production (2021–22):
- Wheat: 519 thousand tonnes.
- Pulses: 450 thousand tonnes.
- Oilseeds: 365 thousand tonnes.
90% of rabi land is under wheat and gram.

Zaid Crops

Cultivated on just 0.17% of the total agricultural land.
Example: Madua (Finger Millet).

Landholding Distribution in Jharkhand

Landholding Type	Size	Share of Farmers
Marginal holdings	Less than 1 hectare	70%
Small holdings	1–2 hectares	15%
Semi-medium	2–4 hectares	10%
Medium holdings	4–10 hectares	4%
Large holdings	More than 10 hectares	1%

Major Crops and Their Production Zones

1. Paddy (Rice)

Main districts: Singhbhum, Ranchi, Gumla, Dumka.
Facts:
- Most cultivated and important food crop.
- 50% of state production from above districts.

2. Maize

Main districts: Palamu, Hazaribagh, Dumka, Giridih, Sahebganj.
Palamu ranks 1st in maize production.

3. Wheat

Main districts: Palamu, Hazaribagh, Godda.
Palamu leads in wheat production.

4. Sugarcane

Main districts: Hazaribagh, Palamu, Dumka, Godda.
A key cash crop in the state.

5. Madua (Finger Millet)

Districts: Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Giridih.
Grown as a Zaid crop.

6. Barley

Districts: Palamu, Sahebganj, Hazaribagh, Singhbhum.

7. Jowar-Bajra

Districts: Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Singhbhum, Santhal Pargana.

8. Pulses and Oilseeds

Palamu has the highest production (especially mustard).

Agricultural Regions of Jharkhand

1. North Koel Valley Region

Districts: Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Chatra.
Main crops: Paddy, chickpeas, maize, arhar (pigeon pea), oilseeds.

2. Damodar Valley Region

Districts: Eastern Latehar, Southern Chatra, Southern Hazaribagh, Bokaro, Dhanbad.
Diverse agricultural activity across valleys and plateaus.

Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams

Jharkhand has limited agricultural coverage (23%), but high potential (47.69%).
Agriculture supports 43% of the workforce but contributes just 14.7% to GVA.
Paddy is the most dominant crop, followed by maize and wheat.
78% of farmland is used for Kharif crops; only 0.17% for Zaid crops.
Palamu leads in wheat, maize, mustard production.
Marginal farmers (below 1 hectare) form 70% of cultivators.

Agricultural Regions of Jharkhand (Krishi Pradesh)

1. North Koel Valley Agricultural Region

Districts: Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Chatra
Key Crops: Paddy, maize, pulses, oilseeds
Geological Feature: Dominated by Gondwana rock formations

2. Damodar Valley Agricultural Region

Districts: Eastern Latehar, Southern Chatra, Southern Hazaribagh, Bokaro, Dhanbad
Major Crops: Paddy, pulses, oilseeds
Feature: Good soil for crop diversification

3. Lower Subarnarekha Valley Agricultural Region

Districts: Eastern Singhbhum, Eastern Seraikela
Key Crops: Paddy and vegetables
Highlight: Development of multi-crop farming is prominent

4. Hazaribagh Plateau Agricultural Region

Districts: Chatra, Hazaribagh, Giridih, Koderma
Key Crops: Paddy, maize, finger millet (ragi)
Note: Limited agricultural development

5. Rajmahal Hills & Border Area Agricultural Region

Districts: Southern Sahibganj, Southern Pakur, Godda, Dumka, Deoghar, Jamtara
Rainfall: 100–130 cm annually
Major Crop: Paddy

6. Ranchi Plateau Agricultural Region

Districts: Ranchi, Eastern Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega
Rainfall: 120–130 cm
Major Crops: Vegetables (cash crops), Paddy (in lowland areas), Ragi, pulses, fruits in uplands

7. Chaibasa Plain & Adjacent Highlands Agricultural Region

Districts: Western Singhbhum, Eastern Seraikela
Rainfall: 100–140 cm
Key Crops: Paddy, maize, chickpea
Special Soil: Metallic mineral-rich soil

8. North-Eastern Border Agricultural Region

Districts: Northern Godda, Northern Sahibganj
Rainfall: 140–160 cm
Key Crops: Paddy, wheat, maize, pulses
Highlight: Most agriculturally developed region in Jharkhand
Strength: Well-organized multi-crop systems

Important Agricultural Statistics (as per Economic Survey 2022–23)

Net Sown Area: 17% of total land
Current Fallow Land: 17%
Other Fallow Land: 13%
Total Irrigated Area: Only 15% of cultivable land
Average Landholding per Person: 1.17 hectares
Cropping Intensity: 135.8%
Agriculture’s Contribution to GSDP: 14.7%
Agricultural Workforce Dependency: 43% of the total labor force

Types of Land Holdings in Jharkhand

Landholding Type	Size	Percentage
Marginal	Less than 1 hectare	70%
Small	1 to 2 hectares	15%
Semi-Medium	2 to 4 hectares	10%
Medium	4 to 10 hectares	4%
Large	Over 10 hectares	1%

Major Crops of Jharkhand & Key Producing Districts

Kharif Crops (Monsoon Crops)

Sowing: June–July
Harvesting: September–October
Sub-types:
- Bhadai (Sown: May–June; Harvested: August–September)
- Aghani (Sown: June; Harvested: December)
Key Crops: Paddy, maize, jowar, bajra, moong, groundnut, sugarcane
Crop Share: 78% of total cultivated area is under Kharif crops
- Paddy: 84.7% of Kharif area (~1938 thousand hectares)
- Maize: 14% of Kharif area

Rabi Crops (Winter Crops)

Sowing: October–November
Harvesting: March
Also Known As: Cold season or Vaishakhi crops
Key Crops: Wheat, barley, chickpea, oilseeds
Crop Share: 16% of total cultivated area
Key Fact: 90% of Rabi area grows wheat and chickpea

Zaid Crops (Summer Crops)

Crop Share: Only 0.17% of total agricultural land
Key Crops: Finger millet (madua), vegetables

Crop-wise District Focus

Crop	Major Producing Districts
Paddy	Singhbhum, Ranchi, Gumla, Dumka (50% of state production)
Maize	Palamu (top), Hazaribagh, Dhanbad, Dumka, Giridih, Sahibganj
Wheat	Palamu (top), Hazaribagh, Godda
Sugarcane	Hazaribagh, Palamu, Dumka, Godda
Madua (Ragi)	Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Giridih
Barley	Palamu, Sahibganj, Hazaribagh, Singhbhum
Jowar/Bajra	Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Singhbhum, Santhal Pargana
Chickpea	Godda, Sahibganj, Ranchi, Hazaribagh
Arhar	Palamu, Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Gumla, Santhal Pargana
Masoor	Palamu, Santhal Pargana, Hazaribagh, Chatra, Koderma, Lohardaga
Urad	Ranchi, Gumla, Palamu, Lohardaga, Santhal Pargana
Kurthi	Palamu, Hazaribagh, Chatra, Bokaro, Giridih
Oilseeds	Palamu (highest mustard production), Ranchi, Hazaribagh, East Singhbhum, Dumka
Potato	Ranchi, Gumla, Lohardaga, Hazaribagh
Cauliflower	Ranchi, Lohardaga, Hazaribagh
Pea	Ranchi, Lohardaga, Hazaribagh, East Singhbhum
Radish	Ranchi, Lohardaga, Hazaribagh
Carrot	Ranchi, Lohardaga, Hazaribagh
Tomato	Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Lohardaga, Dumka, West Singhbhum
Papaya	Simdega, Lohardaga, Ranchi, Hazaribagh, West Singhbhum, Pakur

Irrigation & Farming Systems

Main Irrigation Sources: Wells, ponds, canals, and other local means
Only 15% of net cultivated area has access to irrigation
Farming Technique: Khallu Krishi (traditional rainfed farming)
Average Rainfall in Major Regions: 100–160 cm depending on region

Final Notes for Competitive Exams

Jharkhand has 38 lakh hectares of cultivable land (approx. 47.69% of state area)
Despite high potential, actual cultivation is limited due to lack of irrigation and fragmented land
The state government is promoting multi-crop systems and horticulture under the National Horticulture Mission
Agricultural research institute (IARI-ICAR) is proposed in Barhi, Hazaribagh

General Irrigation Statistics of Jharkhand

Only 15% of the total cultivable land in Jharkhand is irrigated.
Surface water contributes to 58% of total irrigation.
Groundwater contributes to 42% of total irrigation.
PUNASI Reservoir Project in Deoghar is completed.
- The length of the main canal of Punasi project is 72 km.

Irrigation Demand Across Districts

Districts with High Irrigation Requirement:

Sahebganj, Godda, Dumka, Gumla

Districts with Moderate Irrigation Requirement:

Deoghar, Lohardaga, Ranchi, West Singhbhum

Districts with Low Irrigation Requirement:

Garhwa, Palamu, Hazaribagh, Giridih

Districts with Very Low Irrigation Requirement:

Chatra, Bokaro, Dhanbad, East Singhbhum

Irrigation Sources in Jharkhand (2021–22)

1. Wells (including Tube Wells) – 32% contribution

Traditional irrigation source.
Down from 37% in 2020–21 to 32% in 2021–22.
Highest usage in Sahebganj and Jamtara (44% of their irrigated land).
By area, Palamu leads in well irrigation.
Followed by Latehar, Hazaribagh, Chatra, and Ramgarh.

2. Ponds (Talabs) – 32% contribution

Among the oldest sources of irrigation.
Increased from 30% (2020–21) to 32% (2021–22).
Dhanbad has the highest pond irrigation share (66% of irrigated land).
Followed by Dumka, Deoghar, Ranchi, Pakur.
By area, Palamu has the maximum pond irrigation.

3. Tube Wells – 7% contribution

Considered a modern irrigation method.
Sahebganj uses tube wells the most (17% of its irrigated land).
Palamu again leads in area under tube well irrigation.
Limited usage due to plateau and rocky terrain.

4. Canals – 2% contribution

Minimal usage and remained stagnant (2%) from 2020–21 to 2021–22.
East Singhbhum has the highest canal irrigation share (28%).
Followed by Simdega, Jamtara, Khunti, Hazaribagh.
Simdega has maximum canal irrigation in terms of area.

5. Other Sources – 34% contribution

Includes small lift irrigation, pumps, check dams, etc.
Increased from 31% (2020–21) to 34% (2021–22).

Major Irrigation Projects in Jharkhand

1. Major Irrigation Projects (Area > 10,000 ha)

Project	District	Plan Period
Suvarnarekha Multipurpose Project	East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Seraikela	5th Plan
– Chandil Dam & Main Canal	East Singhbhum
– Icha Dam & Main Canal	West Singhbhum
– Galudih Barrage	Seraikela-Kharsawan
– Kharkai Barrage
Ajay Barrage Project	Deoghar, Jamtara	5th Plan
Gumani Reservoir Project	Sahebganj, Pakur	5th Plan
Punasi Reservoir Project	Deoghar	7th Plan
Konar Reservoir Project	Giridih	5th Plan
Amanat Barrage Project	Palamu	10th Plan
North Koel Reservoir Project	Palamu	5th Plan
Auranga Reservoir Project	Palamu	7th Plan
Kanchi Irrigation Project	Ranchi	–
Mayurakshi Bayan Reservoir Project	Dumka	–

2. Medium Irrigation Projects (Area 2,000–10,000 ha)

Over 600+ medium irrigation schemes are operational in Jharkhand.
Some notable projects:
- Nandini, Kans, Salaiya, Bhairwa, Kanti, Raisa, Panchkhero, Buxar, Patratu, Surangi, Tajna, Katri, Parash, Suali, Tapkara, Ramrekha, Kasjor, Sukri, Sonua, Satpotka, Torlo, Muraihir, RoRo, Suru, Sona, Palna, Nakti, Torai, Bateshwar, Brahmani, Jensai, Kazhya, Sundar, Harna and others.
Districts include Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Koderma, Gumla, Simdega, Lohardaga, Palamu, Dhanbad, Gharwa, Godda, East & West Singhbhum, Kharsawan, etc.

3. Minor Irrigation Projects (Area < 2,000 ha)

Managed by Jharkhand Hill Area Lift Irrigation Corporation Ltd. (JHALCO).
Formed in 2002.
Focused on small hill and tribal areas.

Districts with Highest Irrigation Coverage (By % of Total Cultivable Land)

Rank	District	Irrigation Coverage (%)
1	Palamu	24.25%
2	Deoghar	14.22%
3	Godda	14.21%
4	Hazaribagh	10.51%
5	Dumka	9.47%

Other Notable Facts

Central Water Commission (CWC) monitors 125 major reservoirs in India.
Six major reservoirs from Jharkhand are included:
- Getalsud
- Tenughat
- Maithon
- Tilaiya
- Konar
- Panchet