Many of the developing countries have an agricultural economic base which; in turn, is characterised by rather
perennial foodgrain shortages. Frequent famines resulting from inadequate or untimely rains are a common feature
of these economies.
The planners as well as the decisions makers, therefore, always stress the need for increased output of foodgrains
through better seeds, fertilisers and intensive irrigation practices. Creation of a network of irrigation facilities is
thus a priority area as far as the development effort in the third world countries is concerned. Coupled with the
foodgrain production is also the necessity of generating power, which puts premium on the construction of
Hydroelectric Projects on a priority basis. Power generated is essential not only for the industries but also for
ground water pumping and irrigation.