Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Irrigation Intensity in Haryana, India (2006-2025)

Abstract

Irrigation intensity is one of the major indicators of agricultural development and the utilisation of water resources in an area. The present study investigates spatiotemporal variability in irrigation intensity across the districts of Haryana over three periods: 2006-07, 2016-17 and 2024-25. The secondary data used for the study were gathered from the Statistical Abstract of Haryana (2006- 2025) published by the Department of Economic and Statistical Analysis, Government of Haryana. Irrigation intensity was calculated as GIA/NIA × 100, and the districts were categorised into high (above 200), medium (150 to 200), and low (less than 150) intensity. Choropleth maps were prepared using ArcMap 10.8.2 GIS software to present the spatial distribution of irrigation intensity. The results show that the overall irrigation intensity in Haryana rose from 186 per cent in 2006-07 to 196 per cent in 2016-17 and then decreased slightly to 192 per cent in 2024-25. Irrigation intensity was generally very high in districts such as Hisar, Panchkula and Mahendragarh, and only Charkhi Dadri was in the low-irrigation-intensity category in 2024-25. Overall, there has been a significant drop in the number of low-intensity districts, from five in 2006-07 to one in 2024-25. There are, however, large spatial variations: the north and north-west are well-irrigated and have high groundwater extraction, whereas the south and south-west are still under irrigation pressure. The study also shows that irrigation intensity varies over time, with some districts shifting between categories in relation to groundwater exploitation, crop shifts and policy measures. The results highlight the importance of balanced distribution of irrigation facilities, responsible utilisation of groundwater resources, and crop rotation for the sustainability of agriculture in Haryana.