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Water is the most important input necessary for plant growth in agricultural production. Irrigation can be defined as replenishment of soil moisture in the rhizosphere of plants by methods other than natural rainfall. From the early days, irrigation has been thought of as the root of human history. It helps to reduce uncertainty, especially climate uncertainty in agricultural practices

Archaeological investigations have established evidence that natural rainfall is inadequate to support crop irrigation

Multi-year irrigation in the Mesopotamian plain by spoofing water into a small aqueduct matrix formed outdoors

Ancient Egyptians used the plunder of the Nile to practice watershed irrigation to submerge the land surrounded by levees.

In sub-Saharan Africa, irrigation reaches the cultures and civilizations of the Niger region in the 1st or 2nd century BC, based on floods and catchment in the rainy season.

Qanats was developed in Gubos around 800 BC and is one of the oldest irrigation methods still in use.

Ancient irrigation projects in Sri Lanka dates back to around 300 BC, was developed under the control of King King Pandukabhaya, was developed during the next millennium, is one of the most complicated irrigation systems in the ancient world.

In the Sichuan area belonging to the ancient Qinzhou of China, the Duji irrigation system was built in 256 BC to irrigate a large area of ​​agricultural land that still supplies water.

In the early agricultural period from 1200 BC to 150 BC, the flood plain of the Santa Cruz River was cultured extensively.

History is said to be the greatest teacher of mankind. Irrigation history, development of irrigation technology, and researching the sustainability of old irrigation systems provide insight into the factors passed down from generation to generation.

In pursuit of its mission, ICID encourages the use of the latest technology for irrigation development and encourages the use of ancient wisdom. "History of irrigation, drainage and flood control" The working group began documenting the work of irrigation development throughout the world. With the support of several domestic committees, the working group summarized the history of irrigation, drainage and flood management in various river valleys, regions, and countries.

FAO Publications - How does design, management, and policy influence the performance of irrigation projects - the latest modernization procedures and design standards, HervéPlusquellec, 2002

Ancient irrigation methods depend heavily on the local geography, geology, and available engineering techniques. Four different irrigation methods were developed earlier in the history of agriculture. All irrigation systems rely on removing water from natural sources and transferring it to artificial waterways and ponds. The Nile Valley is rain free and very fertile. Herodotus writes that "Egypt is a gift from the river" over 2000 years ago. Egypt depended on the Nile in a way impossible in other countries. 97% of Egyptians live in 5% of their area. The prosperity of the Nile Valley civilization depended on the efficiency of the central government to make maximum use of river water in the recorded history. For example, crops can be stored after years and irrigation plans can be constructed and maintained.

To maximize the use of the water of the Nile, Egyptians developed irrigation systems. Irrigation allows the Egyptians to use the water of the Nile for various purposes. It is worth noting that irrigation will allow them to better manage agricultural practices. Floods are transferred to specific areas such as cities and gardens to prevent flooding. Irrigation has also been used to supply drinking water to Egyptians. Irrigation is essential for the success of agriculture, but there is no regulation on water management throughout the state. Instead, irrigation is the responsibility of local farmers. However, the earliest and most famous irrigation reference in Egyptian archeology is in the skull of Scorpion King dating back to about 3100 BC. The female head represents a notch into the king's groove, which is part of the basin irrigation grid.