All You Need To Know About Irrigation Engineering

One of the basic requirements for sustenance is food but feeding the entire humanity is challenging. The countries like India, which are heavily dependent on monsoons, are facing the brunt of global warming and climate change, the effect of which is now visible on the crop yield. Erratic monsoons, contaminated water, and expeditious use of groundwater have added to the woes. Irrigation plays a pivotal role in improving the crop quality that is being sowed. But its need varies from one season to another. To overcome the challenge, Irrigation Engineering was introduced. In this blog, we will discuss the details like eligibility criteria and career prospects pertaining to this specialized branch of engineering 

Irrigation Engineering: What Is Irrigation?

In simple language, Irrigation is the process of harnessing and supplying water from natural resources artificially to water-deficient areas for growing crops. This process can be carried out in 3 ways: 

Surface Irrigation: In this process, water from the supply channel flows over the entire region due to gravity and then seeps down to the roots. 

Sub-Irrigation: This method is used in areas that have a high water table and porous topsoil that absorbs the moisture slowly. Along the sides of the fields, ditches are dug not only to monitor the level of the water but to replenish the water supply when it is low. 

Overhead Irrigation: These irrigation systems best resemble the natural waterfall. Considered one of the most modern and advanced forms of irrigation, these systems make use of conveyor pipes, pumping units, and sprinkler mechanisms to divert water. 

Advantages of Irrigation Engineering

• Yield of crops
• Protection from famine
• Prosperity of farmers
• Improvement of cash crops
• Domestic and industrial water supply
• Development of fishery

Irrigation Engineering: Prerequisites

To pursue this sub-branch of Civil Engineering at the Bachelor’s level, the students have to fulfil certain eligibility criteria. The pre-requisites to study Irrigation Engineering are mentioned below: 

• Students must have passed senior secondary school with the Science stream subjects from a recognized board.
• The applicants must have scored an aggregate percentage of 50% in their 10+2 exams. Students with Biology as part of their 12th subject are usually preferred. 
• The candidates must also have a valid IELTS or TOEFL scorecard. 
• The students will also have to appear for the entrance exams of those universities which conduct their own tests.  

The applicants will also be required to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP), an essay, a Letter of recommendation, and an updated cv or resume along with the application forms to the respective universities. 

Note: These prerequisites are general and the minimum percentile for admission may vary from one university to another. 

Subjects

The course curriculum of Irrigation Engineering at the Bachelor’s level is designed to equip students with the technology and skills necessary to build a strong career in the field of Agriculture and Irrigation. Given below are some of the subjects taught in this course:

• Greenhouse Technology 
• Soil and Water Conservation Engineering 
• Post-Harvest Engineering 
• Watershed Planning and Management 
• Minor Irrigation and Command Area Development 
• Wells and Pumps 
• Farm Power Machinery and Equipment 
• Production Technology of Agricultural Machinery
• Micro Irrigation Systems Design 

Also read: Civil Engineering Syllabus

Scope of Irrigation Engineering

Irrigation engineering is a very broad activity in the subject of civil engineering. Irrigation engineering is in charge of organising, planning, and maintaining irrigation systems for the transportation and distribution of water to residential and agricultural locations. Irrigation engineering tasks may include diverting water from dams, canals, and rivers as well as supervising the installation of pipes, sprinklers, and other irrigation equipment. In order to maximise the use of water for lawns and agricultural crops, work is done in the field to assess the terrain, soil, and climatic factors. In order to plan irrigation system blueprints and submit them to subcontractors for installation technicians, computers are frequently used for modelling approaches.

Irrigation engineering focuses on creating irrigation systems that prioritise water sustainability and handles recurring difficulties with drought and national water shortages. Researching water recycling techniques and creating fresh strategies for reducing water seepage and evaporation loss may fall under the purview of irrigation engineering.

Cotton, dairy, and agricultural operations in rural areas frequently use irrigation engineering. Other projects included the construction of irrigation systems for office buildings and homes by the commercial and residential sectors.

Irrigation Engineering: Job Profiles

Irrigation Engineering graduates are required in an array of industries like Canal Works, Agriculture Sector, Irrigation Departments, Construction Industry, Agro Farms, and Educational Institutes. The knowledge acquired through the degree program acquaints students with various skills thus making them eligible for various roles. With further specializations, graduates can work in various job profiles. Some of which are mentioned below: 

• Senior Irrigation Design Engineer 
• Assistant Seed Production Specialist 
• Civil Engineer and Irrigation Engineer 
• Senior Irrigation Design Engineer 
• Agronomist 
• Agricultural Project Engineer 
• Site Engineer 
• Farm Irrigation Consultant 
• Tendering Engineer and Tendering Manager 

Deere and Company, Massey Ferguson, Kubota Corporation, and Plastro Irrigation Systems Ltd are some of the companies where Irrigation Engineering graduates can work. 

FAQs

Thus, pursuing Irrigation Engineering can open doors to an array of career opportunities. If you want to study this course but are not sure about how to get started with it then the counsellors at Leverage Edu will mentor you in selecting the university and help you kickstart your career in this field. You can also book a free 30 minutes career counselling session with our experts. Hurry up, book your slot now!