15, April 2026

Irrigation Efficiency and Cropping Intensity: A Spatial Perspective from Munger Division of Bihar

VOLUME-10; ISSUE-4; APR-2026

Author(s): Dr. Gautam Pandey

Authors Affiliations:

Assistant Professor, University Department of Geography T.M. Bhagalpur University Bhagalpur, Bihar, India.

DOIs:10.2017/IJRCS/202604003     |     Paper ID: IJRCS202604003


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ABSTRACT                                                                                                                   Agricultural intensification has become an important strategy for enhancing productivity and ensuring food security in densely populated agrarian regions such as Bihar, where the scope for expansion of cultivable land is limited. This study examines the spatial relationship between irrigation efficiency and cropping intensity in the Munger Division of Bihar, comprising Munger, Begusarai, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, and Jamui districts. The analysis is based on secondary data for the agricultural year 2022–23 obtained from government sources. Cropping intensity is calculated as the ratio of gross cropped area to net sown area, while irrigation efficiency is measured as the proportion of gross irrigated area to gross cropped area. The study adopts descriptive, comparative and statistical methods, including spatial analysis and Karl Pearson’s coefficient of correlation. The results reveal significant inter district disparities in agricultural intensification. Begusarai records the highest cropping intensity, whereas Sheikhpura shows the highest irrigation efficiency. The overall irrigation efficiency of the division is 71.63 percent and the average cropping intensity is 144.33 percent. Statistical analysis indicates a strong negative correlation (r = −0.74) between cropping intensity and irrigation efficiency. This suggests that higher cropping intensity is not necessarily associated with higher irrigation efficiency across districts. The findings highlight the influence of groundwater dependence, physiographic conditions, cropping patterns, and land use pressure on agricultural intensification. The study emphasizes the need for region specific irrigation planning, efficient water management, and integrated agricultural strategies for sustainable agricultural development in Munger Division.
: Cropping Intensity, Irrigation Efficiency, Agricultural Intensification, Spatial Analysis, Crop diversification

Dr. Gautam Pandey (2026); Irrigation Efficiency and Cropping Intensity: A Spatial Perspective from Munger Division of Bihar, International Journal of Research Culture Society,    ISSN(O): 2456-6683,  Volume – 10,   Issue –  4,  Available on – https://ijrcs.org/

 

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