Irrigation in Bihar
■ I n Bihar, the total water area stands at 3.52 lakh hectares , accounting for 3.8% of the total geographical area . Bihar is endowed with substantial ground and surface water resources. The river Ganga and its tributaries provide water resources to the state, for both agricultural and non-agricultural uses. On average, the state receives annual rainfall amounting to 1000 MMS , the bulk of which comes from the southwest monsoon . T his is not adequate to water the entire farming activities in the state. Therefore, a well-planned irrigation system is needed to assist in stabilizing production, improving yield and cropping intensities . ■ Gross Irrigated Area (GIA) :