Improving the operation of canal irrigation systems

In many parts of the world, irrigation systems are performing well below their potential. There is unanimous agreement among the irrigation community on the need to improve the operation of irrigation systems in order to increase agriculturel productivity and meet an ever-increasing demand for water. Good planning and design have crucial implications for the success of an irrigation system. Selecting appropriate technologies to match cropping patterns physical conditions and socioeconomic conditions involves many complex and often conflicting considerations. The most important requirements are those of reliability of water delivery to the users, flexibility of operation of the system and efficient use of water. Information on design is difficult to communicate through written reports and handbooks but a tape/slide programme Improving the operation of canal irrigation systems demonstrates visually the accumulated experience of the World Bank in many different countries. It gives examples of the latest technology for upgrading, rehabilitating, operating and automating irrigation canal systems. The programme distils and summarizes information on gravity irrigation and presents it as simply as possible in an effort to reach a broad audience, from central planners and design engineers to agronomists and project managers. The audio-visual presentation includes 454 - 35mm slides in plastic sleeves, an accompanying narration on cassette, five copies of the printed narration together with photo prints of the visuals and five copies of a brief guide summarizing the content of the presentation. The cost is US$175. Ms Edith Pena Economic Development Institute of the World Bank 1818 H Street M W. Washington D.C. 20433 USAtape/slide programme Improving the operation of canal irrigation system