Estimating Water Balance and Identifying Crops for Sustainable Use of Water Resources IN THE BUNDELKHAND REGION OF INDIA

摘要

Bundelkhand region of India is characterized by acute shortages of water due to recurrent failures of the monsoon This study estimated the water availability, water requirement，and water deficit in the Bundelkhand region usins geographic informationsystem (GIS) data. The study identified suitable crops that can be promoted for sustaining the water resources in the region. Total irrigation availability is estimated to be 17.48 billion cubic meters (BCM) of which 91.3% is available for irrigation. The irrigation water deficit is estimated to be 5.31 BCM, which is 1/4 ofthe crop water requirement. Farmers in the region give high priority to irrigation of water-guzzling cereal crops instead of pulses and oilseed crops which have lower water requirements. A crop suitability index revealed that pearl millet, sesame，and soybean are the most suitable crops jor sustainable use ofwater resources in the region. An optimum cropping plan to allocate existing land and water resources, coupled with efficient modern technology such as direct-seeded rice, micro-irrigation, etc., can be the best solution to sustain the natural resources and the income of farmers in the study region.