Micro irrigation is a water-efficient technology that delivers water directly to the plant’s root zone through low-pressure systems like drips, sprinklers, or bubblers. This method ensures minimal water wastage by controlling the water’s flow rate and timing, allowing precise application directly where it’s needed most.
Micro irrigation encompasses several methods:
Historically, communities like those in Meghalaya utilized bamboo drip systems, using gravity-fed water from uphill sources to irrigate terraces. Modern micro irrigation began in the 1970s with the introduction of synthetic materials for drips and sprinklers. It has since evolved with technologies like subsurface drip irrigation, which further reduces evaporation and runoff.
Despite its efficiency, the adoption of micro irrigation remains limited. As of 2022-23, out of India’s total irrigated area of 73 million hectares, only 8 million hectares were equipped with micro irrigation systems. States like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh are leading in its adoption.
Micro irrigation systems can save 35 to 65 percent of water compared to conventional methods. They help reduce the energy needed for pumping water, decrease evaporation, minimize weed growth, and mitigate the spread of plant diseases by keeping foliage dry. Additionally, these systems can be used with mildly saline water and on uneven terrains, allowing for the precise application of nutrients directly to the plant roots.
The primary challenges include high initial installation costs, ongoing maintenance needs, and the necessity of technical knowledge. Infrastructural challenges such as inconsistent electricity and water supply in rural areas further complicate the situation. Moreover, smaller land holdings and traditional farming preferences hinder the widespread adoption of these systems.
The government promotes micro irrigation through the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), which includes the ‘Per Drop More Crop’ initiative. This program offers subsidies and technical support to encourage farmers to adopt micro irrigation. Additionally, the Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) established with NABARD provides states with loans to implement micro irrigation beyond the central scheme.
While micro irrigation reduces water use at the farm level, broader impacts on regional water savings are mixed. Increased water efficiency can lead to expanded irrigation or cultivation of more water-intensive crops, which can negate some of the water savings. Additionally, the reduction in groundwater recharge due to less percolation needs to be considered in water management strategies.
To maximize the benefits of micro irrigation, comprehensive planning and regulation are needed. This should include ensuring equitable water distribution, promoting technological advancements, and providing extensive training and support to farmers. Effective monitoring and regulation of water use are crucial, especially in regions with overstressed aquifers.
“Optimizing water use through micro irrigation not only conserves a precious resource but also enhances the productivity and sustainability of agriculture.”
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