Irrigation

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-irrigation, which includes techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation, offers a promising solution to this challenge.

Body

Benefits of Micro-Irrigation

1. Reduction in Water Consumption
   • Fact: Micro-irrigation can reduce agricultural water demand by 30-50% by delivering water directly to the root zone, minimizing losses through conveyance, runoff, and evaporation.
   • Source: National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture.
2. Decreased Dependence on Groundwater
   • Fact: This method is particularly effective in dryland farming areas where groundwater aquifers are depleting. It significantly lowers electricity consumption, as less water needs to be pumped.
   • Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
3. Sustainability
   • Fact: Micro-irrigation can replace flood irrigation, which causes ecological issues like groundwater pollution and salinity. Localized application helps prevent nutrient leaching, preserving soil health.
   • Source: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
4. Scalability
   • Fact: Currently, less than 50% of agricultural land is irrigated, with over 80% of farmers being smallholders. Micro-irrigation can reduce dependency on monsoons and enhance resilience against drought.
   • Source: NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development).

Limitations of Micro-Irrigation

1. Affordability Challenges
   • The initial investment for micro-irrigation systems can be prohibitive for small and marginal farmers, limiting widespread adoption.
2. Maintenance Costs
   • Regular maintenance of tubes and sprinklers can be burdensome for small farmers, given the small size of their landholdings.
3. Crop Choices
   • Micro-irrigation may not alleviate water stress caused by poor agro-climatic choices, such as the cultivation of water-intensive crops like sugarcane and paddy in regions where water is already scarce.

Conclusion

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.