Irrigated Land by Country: Global Comparison 2024

Irrigation plays a vital role in global agriculture, ensuring food security and supporting economies by enabling the cultivation of crops in areas with insufficient rainfall. Around the world, countries utilize irrigation to maximize agricultural yield, combat droughts, and sustain their populations. In this article, we’ll explore the top countries with the largest irrigated land, provide a full table of data, and discuss the significance of these numbers in the context of global food production.

Top 10 Countries with the Largest Irrigated Land

1. India: 754,562 sq. km
2. China: 691,600 sq. km
3. United States: 234,782 sq. km
4. Pakistan: 194,200 sq. km
5. Brazil: 91,833 sq. km
6. Bangladesh: 83,690 sq. km
7. Iran: 79,721 sq. km
8. Indonesia: 67,220 sq. km
9. Thailand: 64,150 sq. km
10. Mexico: 59,910 sq. km

These top countries collectively highlight the critical role of irrigation in agriculture. India and China lead by significant margins due to their large agricultural sectors and high population demands. The United States, while ranking third, utilizes advanced irrigation technologies to optimize water usage. Countries like Pakistan and Brazil have tailored their irrigation systems to support specific crops such as rice and sugarcane, while nations like Bangladesh and Indonesia rely heavily on irrigation to maintain food security in densely populated regions.

Full Table of Irrigated Land by Country (The World Factbook)

Importance of Irrigated Land in Agriculture

Irrigated land is essential for global food production, contributing to around 40% of total agricultural output despite covering only 20% of cultivated land. Efficient irrigation systems not only improve crop yields but also ensure the cultivation of water-intensive crops like rice, sugarcane, and cotton in arid and semi-arid regions. Countries with extensive irrigation networks often enjoy better food security and export opportunities, further driving economic growth.

Challenges and Future of Irrigation

While irrigation is a boon to agriculture, it comes with challenges such as water scarcity, over-extraction of groundwater, and the environmental impact of water-intensive farming. To address these issues, countries are adopting sustainable irrigation practices, including drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and the use of smart technologies. International collaboration and investments in research are critical to ensuring that irrigation continues to support global food demands while conserving water resources.

The distribution of irrigated land by country underscores the varying approaches and priorities nations have adopted to sustain agriculture. From India’s vast network of canals to Brazil’s innovative irrigation techniques, these systems are vital to feeding the world’s population. As climate change and water scarcity intensify, the future of irrigation will depend on sustainable practices and efficient resource management.

Source

• Agricultural irrigated land – World Bank
• List of countries by irrigated land area