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Examine how micro-irrigation technologies, including sprinkler and drip irrigation, can improve agricultural output and water efficiency, especially in areas where water is scarce. Also, talk about the factors that affect farmers’ adoption of these systems.
Explore how informal, community-based irrigation systems, like the tank irrigation systems in southern India, can enhance formal irrigation infrastructure and help ensure sustainable water resource management.
What part does micro-irrigation play in improving water-use efficiency? (200 words) [UPSC 2016]
Model Answer Introduction Water scarcity is a pressing issue in India, which has 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of its freshwater resources. Agriculture consumes the majority of this water, making efficient irrigation crucial. Micro-irrigation, which includes methods like drip and sprinklRead more
Water scarcity is a pressing issue in India, which has 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of its freshwater resources. Agriculture consumes the majority of this water, making efficient irrigation crucial. Micro-irrigation, which includes methods like drip and sprinkler irrigation, offers a modern solution to enhance water-use efficiency.
Micro-irrigation systems can decrease agricultural water demand by 30-50%. By delivering water directly to the root zone, these systems minimize losses from conveyance, runoff, deep percolation, and evaporation.
This method is particularly beneficial for dryland farming, helping to reduce reliance on depleting groundwater aquifers. It also lowers electricity consumption, as less water needs to be pumped.
Micro-irrigation promotes sustainable practices by replacing flood irrigation, which can lead to groundwater pollution and salinity. Localized water application prevents fertilizer washout, thereby reducing nutrient loss and leaching.
Currently, less than 50% of agricultural land is irrigated, with over 80% of farmers being small and marginal. Implementing micro-irrigation can reduce dependence on monsoon rains and lower vulnerability to drought, all while conserving water.
Despite its advantages, micro-irrigation faces challenges, particularly in affordability for small farmers. Maintenance costs for systems like tubes and sprinklers can be prohibitive, especially for those with small landholdings. Furthermore, micro-irrigation may not alleviate water stress in regions where unsuitable crops, like sugarcane and paddy, dominate.
Micro-irrigation holds significant promise for improving water-use efficiency in India, especially in water-scarce regions. However, it should be part of a broader strategy that includes water conservation, storage solutions, and adjustments in cropping patterns to effectively tackle the water crisis.
See lessPropose ways to enhance water storage and irrigation systems so that they can be used wisely in situations where resources are running low. (250 words) [UPSC 2020]
What causes India’s agricultural sector to use water so inefficiently? Make recommendations for ways to increase water efficiency. (Answer in 150 words)
Groundwater depletion is a significant factor exacerbating the water crisis in Delhi and Bangalore. Both cities rely heavily on groundwater to meet their growing water demands due to population growth, urbanization, and inadequate surface water resources. Over-extraction has led to rapidly decliningRead more
Groundwater depletion is a significant factor exacerbating the water crisis in Delhi and Bangalore. Both cities rely heavily on groundwater to meet their growing water demands due to population growth, urbanization, and inadequate surface water resources. Over-extraction has led to rapidly declining water tables, making groundwater harder to access and diminishing its availability. In Delhi, groundwater levels have dropped by 1-2 meters annually in some areas, while Bangalore has seen borewells reaching depths of over 1,000 feet.
This depletion has several consequences: reduced water availability for residents, increased costs for water extraction, land subsidence, and a greater vulnerability to droughts. It also threatens the quality of groundwater, as deeper aquifers may contain higher concentrations of contaminants.
To manage groundwater resources more sustainably, several measures can be implemented:
Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Context of Water Scarcity: Introduce the issue of water scarcity in India, highlighting the disparity between population and water resources. Fact: India has 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of its freshwater resources. (Source: World ...
Model Answer Introduction Water scarcity is a pressing issue in India, where the country has 18% of the world's population but only 4% of its freshwater resources. Agriculture is the largest consumer of this limited water supply, emphasizing the need for efficient irrigation methods. Micro-irrigatioRead more
Water scarcity is a pressing issue in India, where the country has 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of its freshwater resources. Agriculture is the largest consumer of this limited water supply, emphasizing the need for efficient irrigation methods. Micro-irrigation, which includes techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation, offers a promising solution to this challenge.
Micro-irrigation has significant potential to alleviate India’s water crisis, especially in water-scarce regions. However, it should be part of a broader strategy that includes water conservation, improved water storage, and a shift in cropping patterns to maximize its effectiveness.
See lessExamine the effects of the increasing water demand from the household and industrial sectors on the amount of water available for irrigation in agriculture, and talk about the institutional structures and policy changes needed to strike a balance between the ...
The need for water that households and industries require threatens the irrigation supply. Water serves as an essential resource which fulfills agricultural requirements as well as industrial needs and supports domestic needs. India dedicates 80% of its entire water supply to agricultural productionRead more
The need for water that households and industries require threatens the irrigation supply. Water serves as an essential resource which fulfills agricultural requirements as well as industrial needs and supports domestic needs. India dedicates 80% of its entire water supply to agricultural production.
Implications of Increasing Industrial & Domestic Water Demand on Irrigation
1. The water supply destined for crop cultivation decreases because industries and urban areas consume higher amounts of water together with the water needed for energy generation especially within regions that already experience water shortages.
2. The excessive water extraction activities of industries together with urban consumers cause further groundwater depletion problems that affect farmers with borewell and well-based sources.
3. Industrial effluents along with domestic sewage reduce both the amount of available irrigation water and the overall soil health due to water quality deterioration.
4. Water governance should be established to resolve conflicts that develop when water requirements compete between farmers and industrial and municipal sectors.
5. The reduction in rural income becomes more likely as irrigation becomes rain-dependent when crop production volumes decrease due to water scarcity.
Policy Measures to Balance Competing Water Demands 1. Efficient Water Management in Agriculture
1. The implementation of micro-irrigation systems including drip systems and sprinklers should be encouraged to reduce water waste. The implementation of crop diversity practices should focus on selecting low-water-consuming plant species.
2. Managed Water Resources Require a Strong System of Governance Together with Robust Institutional Frameworks
A fair water distribution system should adopt Integrated Water Resource Management as a framework.
The State Water Regulatory Authorities should receive the authority to perform inspections of industrial and domestic water consumption.
3. Industrial & Urban Water Conservation
Water recycling requirements along with treatment obligations must apply to every industrial facility.
Smart water metering systems together with rainwater harvesting should be implemented in urban areas.
4. Groundwater Regulation & Conservation
Industrial organizations need to restrict their groundwater extraction activities.
The government should enhance the water management programs established through Jal Shakti Abhiyan.
5. Strengthening Institutional Arrangements
– Foster public-private partnerships (PPPs) for sustainable water management.
– Promote community-based water governance through Pani Panchayats and Watershed Committees.
Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Briefly introduce the importance of irrigation in India and its role in agriculture. Mention the percentage of net sown area dependent on irrigation. Major Challenges Faced by the Indian Irrigation System Groundwater Exploitation: Discuss the over-extraction of groundwater and its ...
Model Answer Introduction India's irrigation system faces several significant challenges that hinder agricultural productivity and water management. Major Challenges Faced by the Indian Irrigation System Dependence on Unpredictable Monsoon Patterns: The Indian irrigation system heavily relies on monRead more
India’s irrigation system faces several significant challenges that hinder agricultural productivity and water management.
Addressing the challenges faced by the Indian irrigation system through effective government measures is crucial for sustainable agricultural productivity and water security.
See lessRoadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Define Irrigation: Start by explaining the importance of irrigation in agriculture, especially in India where a large portion of agriculture is dependent on monsoon rains. Contextualize Irrigation in India: Mention how irrigation impacts crop yield, food security, ...
Model Answer Introduction Irrigation refers to the artificial application of water to land to assist in the growth of crops. It is vital for ensuring consistent agricultural productivity in India, particularly in regions with erratic rainfall. In a country where agriculture is the backbone of the ecRead more
Irrigation refers to the artificial application of water to land to assist in the growth of crops. It is vital for ensuring consistent agricultural productivity in India, particularly in regions with erratic rainfall. In a country where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, effective irrigation is essential for food security, improving crop yields, and boosting farmers’ incomes.
Irrigation Scenario of India:
Current Initiatives to Increase Irrigated Area:
See less