Water use efficiency can be defined as the ratio between the water use and the actual water withdrawal from the source.

         India being ranked at 120 globally in water quality index (UN) with 70% of water contaminated,  ensuring water use efficiency become must.

It ensures –

• Environment conservation
• Food security
• Fiscally sustainable agriculture

Micro irrigation is using methods to deliver water directly to the roots of the plants reducing wastage eg. sprinkler irrigation system. According to Mihir Shah committe 60% of the Indian districts face over groundwater exploitation hence it become must.

Role of micro irrigation in increasing water use efficiency –

1. Surface run off is not there hence avoiding wastage.
2. Enables precise control on irrigation scheduling hence can be adjusted according to weather .
3. Certain states made micro irrigation compulsory for water intensive crops like the sugarcane.
4. As the water goes in roots minimize evaporation.
5. Ensures nutrient security.
6. Climate resilient agriculture.

Certain ways to promote micro irrigation are-

1. Farmer education and the awareness campaign.
2. Special loan schemes for example micro irrigation fund.(NABARD).
3. Empowering the local water use associations.

As Dalwai Committee methods of micro irrigation like sprinkler can save water by 40%. This would ensure the achievement of sustainable development goal 6.