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Abstract
The paper aims at to examine the approach of revitalization of the traditional irrigation system in
Bihar (India). Although, the system contributes only 12 % irrigation of the total area yet its irrigation
potential in 2012 is 15.44 lakh hectors constituting 7 % of the total irrigation potential. The system is
self sustained and the people managed. Farming sector in the state contributes 18.12 % to the state
gross domestic product in 2012 is the base of the state economy. Traditional irrigation system
constitutes primarily of the system of irrigation through “Ahar-Pyne”. Ahars are reservoirs and
consist of a major embankment across the line of the drainage with two side embankments running
backwards up to the line of the drainage gradually losing their heights because of the gradient of the
surface. “Ahar” is actually a tank which receives its supply from small rivers through diversion
channel called Desiyan (a source of irrigation to ten villages) “pyne”. The system was on decline
earlier due to mechanisation of irrigation but now it gains its revitalisation due to sustainable
contribution in crop production and its rationale of water use efficiency practised by the marginal
farmers for enhancing the farm productivity.