Impact of Minor Irrigation on Agricultural Production: An Inter-Crop Analysis in Odisha

The study examined the impact of minor irrigation on agricultural production and evaluated the gap between IPC and IPU in the Keonjhar district of Odisha. For this rationale, data were collected from 210 farm households through the primary survey. In support of the analysis, the Cobb Douglas model and factor analysis were used. The results revealed that the input use efficiency had a positive and significant impact on paddy production the most in all the MIPs regions compared to the other crops. However, the study indicated that insufficient water availability was the major cause behind the gap between irrigation potential created and utilised. Thus, minor irrigation played a crucial role in enhancing agricultural production in hilly regions. With the enthusiastic participation of planners, effective working of Pani Panchayats, canals, and upstream control, NGOs' involvement can achieve self-sufficiency in agricultural production by encouraging minor irrigation projects in the hilly province.