Impact of Ranbir Canal Closure on Wheat Productivity in Jammu District

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the Ranbir canal closure on wheat productivity which is closed for de-siltation and cleaning purpose for the period of January to Mid-April every year. The study involved the use of pre-tested proforma and the data regarding the effect of Ranbir canal closure on wheat was collected by a recall method from the farmers of three villages namely Kalyanpur, Rambagh and Musa chak of Jammu district in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The results revealed that with the closure of Ranbir canal the total loss in productivity due deficiency in irrigation was to the tune of 13% which accounted for ₹ 19 crore for the whole Ranbir command. The study emphasis that the government and policy makers should take major steps in solving the problem to stop hue and cry of Jammu farmers and more importantly to restrict the annual loss of ₹ 19 crore rupees due to the closure of the canal.