What is the News?

There is recent news from the Rajasthan that a “digital water distribution system”, termed ‘barabandi’, has been launched in Rajasthan’s Sriganganagar district by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). This system aims to ensure timely and transparent supply of irrigation water to farmers, addressing previous complaints about water shortages and delays.

Objective of New Digital Water Distribution System (Barabandi)

The key objectives of Barabandi System is to…

1. Ensure equitable distribution of irrigation water.
2. Minimize delays and water shortages for farmers.
3. Increase transparency in water allocation.
4. Reduce human error in water distribution.
5. Enhance agricultural productivity.
6. Improve farmer livelihoods.
7. Streamline the process of water allocation.
8. Provide timely access to irrigation schedules.
9. Empower farmers with digital tools.
10. Foster sustainable agricultural practices.

Benefits of Barabandi

These are the benefits of this new Digital Water Distribution System

1. Timely access to irrigation water.
2. Reduced complaints about water shortages.
3. Enhanced transparency in water distribution.
4. Minimized human error in water allocation.
5. Improved agricultural productivity and yields.
6. Enhanced farmer livelihoods and income.
7. Streamlined process for water allocation.
8. Convenient access to irrigation schedules.
9. Increased efficiency in water resource management.
10. Facilitated adoption of sustainable farming practices.

How Barabandi Works?

We can understand the working of Barabandi in these few steps:

1. Water user associations enter farmer information into the online portal.
2. Farmers receive their irrigation turn slips through the dedicated portal.
3. The system allocates water from Gang Canal and Indira Gandhi Canal to farmers in the district.
4. Farmers can access information about irrigation schedules from anywhere.

Top-10 Barabandi UPSC Questions

Question-1: What is Barabandi?

Answer. Barabandi refers to a digital water distribution system implemented in Sriganganagar district, Rajasthan, facilitating equitable allocation of irrigation water to farmers.

Question-2: How does this digital water distribution system differ from traditional water distribution methods?

Answer. Barabandi replaces manual water distribution with a digital system, enabling farmers to access irrigation schedules and receive turn slips online, thus minimizing delays and human error.

Question-3: What are the key features of the Barabandi system?

Answer. The Barabandi system provides transparency in water allocation, timely access to irrigation schedules, and convenience for farmers to manage their water usage digitally.

Question-4: Who developed the Barabandi system?

Answer. The Barabandi system was developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Jaipur, as part of efforts to modernize water distribution and enhance agricultural practices in Rajasthan.

Question-5: How does Barabandi contribute to sustainable agriculture?

Answer. Barabandi promotes sustainable agriculture by ensuring efficient water management, reducing water wastage, and empowering farmers with digital tools to optimize their water usage.

Question-6: Can farmers access digital water distribution system from anywhere?

Answer. Yes, farmers can access the Barabandi system from anywhere with internet connectivity, allowing them to check irrigation schedules and receive turn slips online for their convenience.

Question-7: Does Barabandi eliminate delays in water distribution?

Answer. Barabandi aims to minimize delays in water distribution by replacing manual processes with digital ones, providing real-time information about irrigation schedules and water availability.

Question-8: How does Barabandi benefit farmers?

Answer. Barabandi benefits farmers by ensuring timely access to irrigation water, reducing complaints about water shortages, and increasing transparency and efficiency in water distribution.

Question-9: Can Barabandi be expanded to other districts?

Answer. Yes, the success of Barabandi in Sriganganagar district suggests potential expansion to benefit farmers in other districts of Rajasthan and beyond.

Question-10: Is Barabandi a sustainable solution for water management?

Answer. Yes, Barabandi contributes to sustainable water management by promoting efficient allocation of irrigation water, minimizing water wastage, and fostering the adoption of sustainable farming practices.