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 Bank)
- Definition of Micro-Irrigation: Explain what micro-irrigation is and its significance for agriculture.
- Examples: Drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.
2. Body
A. How Micro-Irrigation Helps
- Reduction in Water Consumption
- Fact: Micro-irrigation can reduce agricultural water demand by 30-50% by applying water directly to the root zone.
- Source: National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture.
- Decreased Dependence on Groundwater
- Fact: Micro-irrigation supports dryland farming in regions with depleting groundwater aquifers, resulting in lower electricity consumption for pumping.
- Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
- Promoting Sustainability
- Fact: It helps move away from flood irrigation, preventing groundwater pollution and salinity, while reducing nutrient leaching.
- Source: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- Scalability Potential
- Fact: Less than 50% of agricultural land is currently irrigated; over 80% of farmers are smallholders. Micro-irrigation can enhance resilience against drought.
- Source: NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development).
B. Limitations of Micro-Irrigation
- Affordability Issues
- Challenge: High initial costs of micro-irrigation systems may deter small and marginal farmers from adopting these technologies.
- Maintenance Costs
- Challenge: The ongoing maintenance of irrigation systems can burden small farmers, making it less practical for them.
- Crop Choices
- Limitation: Micro-irrigation may not effectively address water stress caused by the cultivation of water-intensive crops, such as sugarcane and paddy, in water-scarce regions.
3. Conclusion
- Summary of Potential: Recap the potential of micro-irrigation to alleviate water scarcity in India, particularly in drought-prone areas.
- Holistic Approach: Emphasize that while micro-irrigation can significantly contribute to solving the water crisis, it should be complemented by water conservation, improved water storage, and changes in cropping patterns.
Micro-Irrigation and India’s Water Crisis
1. Efficient Water Use: Micro-irrigation systems, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, offer precise water application directly to plant roots, reducing water wastage and evaporation losses. For instance, in Maharashtra, the adoption of drip irrigation in sugarcane cultivation has resulted in up to a 30% reduction in water usage while increasing crop yields.
2. Improved Agricultural Productivity: By ensuring optimal water supply, micro-irrigation enhances crop productivity and quality. In Karnataka, drip irrigation in horticultural crops like tomatoes has led to significant yield increases and improved crop quality, demonstrating its potential to enhance overall agricultural output.
3. Water Conservation: Micro-irrigation helps in recharging groundwater and reducing the strain on surface water resources. In Tamil Nadu, micro-irrigation techniques have helped sustain groundwater levels despite prolonged drought conditions.
4. Economic Benefits: It reduces the need for extensive water resources and can lower overall operational costs. Farmers in Gujarat have reported cost savings and better resource management due to micro-irrigation systems.
Extent of Impact: While micro-irrigation has significant benefits, its adoption is limited by factors such as high initial costs and maintenance requirements. Government subsidies and technological advancements are critical in scaling up its use.
Overall, micro-irrigation presents a promising solution for mitigating India’s water crisis, particularly when combined with supportive policies and broader adoption.
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
Limitations of Micro-Irrigation
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.