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A
reliable and suitable irrigation water supply can result in
vast improvements in agricultural production and assure the
economic vitality of the region. Many civilizations have
been dependent on irrigated agriculture to provide the basis
of their society and enhance the security of their people.
Some have estimated that as little as 15-20 percent of the
worldwide total cultivated area is irrigated. Judging from
irrigated and non-irrigated yields in some areas, this
relatively small fraction of agriculture may be contributing
as much as 30-40 percent of gross agricultural output. |
