Which source of irrigation provides the largest share of groundwater extraction for agriculture in Punjab?

Correct answer: Tubewell. Groundwater extracted via tubewells supplies the majority of agricultural water requirement in Punjab, surpassing canal irrigation volume during critical crop seasons.

Background: While canals form the primary surface network, private and public tubewells account for over 50-60% of water applied at the farm gate.

• Canal: Forms the largest surface gravity-fed network.
• Rainfall: Highly seasonal and insufficient for intensive cropping.
• Karez: Traditional subterranean canal system used predominantly in Balochistan.

Did you know? Over 1 million tubewells operate across Punjab.

Memory trick: Groundwater extraction = Tubewells.