Irrigation

noun

/ˌɪrɪˈɡeɪʃən/

The artificial application of water to land or soil to assist in the cultivation of crops, supplementing or replacing natural rainfall.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

Expanding micro-irrigation through schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana is indispensable for raising water-use efficiency, insulating smallholders from monsoon variability, and reconciling agricultural growth with the imperative of groundwater conservation.

Synonyms

wateringirial supplysprinklingfloodinghydrationwetting

Antonyms

drainagedesiccationdehydrationparching

🌱 Word Family

irrigate (v), irrigated (adj), irrigator (n), irrigable (adj), irrigational (adj)

🔡 Root

Latin irrigāre = to water; in- = into; rigāre = to water, moisten

📜 Etymology

From Latin irrigātiōnem, from irrigāre ("to water, to wet"), from in- ("into") + rigāre ("to water, moisten").

🧠 Memory Hook

Think "in + rigare (to water)" — to bring water IN to dry fields; the double-r echoes the rivulets of a canal running through cropland.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Prelims 2016 — Agriculture
Mains 2024 · GS3 · 15 marks — Agriculture
Mains 2024 · GS4 · 20 marks — Environmental Ethics
Mains 2021 · GS3 · 10 marks — Agriculture
Mains 2020 · GS3 · 15 marks — Agriculture

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Irrigation” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

🌍 Geography 📖 Seen in: Agriculture Geography & Food Security ...

Tip: press Alt+S to hear pronunciation