Question

even though the Meghalaya receive the highest rainfall why drip irrigation system is followed

Answer 1

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Meghalaya is tucked away in the most serene places on earth. A state blessed with nature’s untouched forests, high plateaus, crystal clear waterfalls, rivers and winding streamlets. Regardless of time, the weather here is pleasant with abundant sunshine, clear blue sky and yes, the impending gray clouds showering ample rainfall.

Meghalaya is well-known for having the highest rainfall in the world of about 11500 mm recorded annually. This makes Meghalaya the wettest places on earth. Though the local areas get a lot of rain during the monsoon season, a well-managed water system is a need during the dry season. Topography in these areas is hilly, with steep slopes due to which there are two challenges. First, water-retention capacity of the terrain is poor. Second, bringing water from distant water sources to the fields is a big challenge for the farmers in the rural areas. Ground channeling is also impractical due to the harsh landscape.  Confronted with such adverse conditions for irrigation, the traditional farmers of Meghalaya have come up with an innovative way that works.

Since olden times, traditional farmers of Meghalaya have been utilizing an indigenous method of bamboo drip irrigation system to water their plantation crops. It is an innovative irrigation system that taps streams and spring water sources using bamboo channels. This intricate design for irrigation has been perfected over 200 years of practice.