Vennila, CSankaran, VMSenthilkumar, TTANUVAS2021-08-102021-08-102014https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810171703TNV_BC_FCT_2014_74-80Water is one of the most important inputs essential for the production of crops. Plants need it continuously during their life and in huge quantities. It profoundly influences photosynfliesis, respiration, absorption, translocation and utilization of mineral nutrients, and cell division besides some other processes. Both its shortage and excess afiect the growth and development of a plant directly and, consequently, its yield and quality. In India, rainfall is notoriously capricious, causing floods and droughts altemately. Its fi'equency distribution and amount are not in accordance with the needs of the crops. Artificial water supply through irrigation on one occasion, and the removal of excess water through drainage on another occasion therefore, become imperative, if the crops are to be raised successfiilly. Water management in India, thus, comprises irrigation or drainage or both, depending considerably on the environmental conditions, soil, crops and climate. It is a situation oriented entity.EnglishVeterinary ScienceBook chapter