The main sources of irrigations are
1. Canal irrigation
2. Well irrigation
3. Tank irrigation
1. Canal irrigation: It is the second most important sources of irrigation in India.
The Canals are of two types.
i. Inundation canals
ii. Perennial canals
i. Inundation canals: In this, water is taken directly from the rivers without making any kind of barrage or dam. Such canals are useful for the diversion of flood water from the rivers and remains operational during rainy season.
ii. Perennial canals: These are developed from perennial work by constructing barrage to regulate the flow of water. These canals are useful for irrigation.
2. Well irrigation: A Well is a hole or trough usually vertical excavated in the earth for brining groundwater to the surface. It contributes about 62% of net irrigated area in India.
Wells are of two types.
i. Open well
ii. Tube well
i. Open well: This type of irrigation is widely practiced in the areas where groundwater is sufficiently available. The areas are in Ganga plains, the deltaic region of Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery and parts of Narmada and Tapti valleys.
ii. Tube well: Tube wells are developed in the areas of low water table, sufficient power supply and soft subsurface geological units. Tube wells are predominant in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, MP, and Tamil Nadu.
3. Tank irrigation: A tank is a natural or man-made hollow on the surface developed by constructing a small bund around it across a stream It is used to collect and store water for irrigation and other purpose. It also includes irrigation from taken and ponds.