Introduction
Drip irrigation is an advanced method of watering crops where water is delivered
directly to the plant’s root zone through a network of mainlines, sub-mains, and
lateral lines equipped with precisely spaced emitters or drippers.
These emitters release a controlled and uniform amount of water, nutrients, and
other essential growth components, ensuring that the plant’s root zone remains
adequately hydrated and nourished.
The system effectively restores moisture and nutrients in the soil, preventing water
stress and promoting optimal plant growth, improved quality, and higher yields.
Body:
Benefits of Drip Irrigation:
Increased Yield: This method can almost double crop yield by providing consistent
and precise watering.
Water Efficiency: Drip irrigation uses about 70% less water compared to traditional
flood irrigation, enabling the cultivation of more land with the same water resources.
Economic Returns: Early crop maturity through drip irrigation results in quicker and
higher returns on investment.
Cost Reduction: Drip irrigation reduces the need for fertilizers, labor, and inter
cultivation efforts.
Fertilizer Efficiency: The system increases fertilizer efficiency by approximately
30%, ensuring better utilization of nutrients.
Versatility: It is suitable for a variety of terrains, including saline, water-logged,
sandy, and hilly areas, making previously challenging lands cultivable.
Government Initiatives:
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY):
Implemented under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) since 2022-23, the
PMKSY aims to enhance water use efficiency at the farm level through Micro
Irrigation techniques such as Drip and Sprinkler systems.
The program, under the “Per Drop More Crop” component, is designed to provide
comprehensive irrigation solutions from water sourcing to farm-level application,
ensuring “Har Khet Ko Paani” (Water to Every Field).
It includes four components:
1. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP)
2. Har Khet Ko Paani
3. Watershed Development
4. Per Drop More Crop
Conclusion:
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6), which aims for clean water and
sanitation for all by 2030, indicates that India had only achieved 56.6% of this target
by 2019. This underscores the urgent need for accelerated efforts.
As a water-stressed nation, India’s per capita water availability has dramatically
decreased from 5,178 cubic meters in 1951 to 1,544 cubic meters in 2011, with
projections of further decline to 1,140 cubic meters by 2050. Promoting efficient
water use through drip irrigation is vital for addressing this challenge.