What is water-use efficiency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the water-use efficiency. (2016)
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Water-use efficiency (WUE) refers to the ratio of beneficial water use to total water withdrawal. It measures how effectively water is utilized in various sectors, such as agriculture, industry, and domestic use.
*Water-Use Efficiency (WUE) Formula:*
WUE = (Beneficial Water Use / Total Water Withdrawal) x 100
*Role of Micro-Irrigation in Increasing WUE:*
Micro-irrigation, also known as precision irrigation, is a technique that supplies water directly to the roots of plants, reducing evaporation and runoff.
*Benefits of Micro-Irrigation:*
1. Increased water savings (up to 50%)
2. Improved crop yields (up to 30%)
3. Reduced energy consumption
4. Enhanced fertilizer and pesticide efficiency
5. Decreased soil erosion
*Types of Micro-Irrigation:*
1. Drip Irrigation
2. Sprinkler Irrigation
3. Micro-Sprinkler Irrigation
4. Bubbler Irrigation
*How Micro-Irrigation Increases WUE:*
1. Precise water application reduces waste
2. Targeted water delivery to roots minimizes evaporation
3. Reduced runoff and deep percolation
4. Improved soil moisture monitoring
5. Optimized irrigation scheduling
*Case Studies:*
1. India’s National Mission on Micro-Irrigation (NMMI) has increased WUE by 40-50%
2. Israel’s drip irrigation systems have achieved WUE of 90-95%
3. California’s micro-irrigation projects have saved 20-30% of water
*Challenges and way forward:*
1. High initial investment costs
2. Limited awareness and adoption among farmers
3. Water quality concerns
4. Integration with other water-saving technologies
5. Policy support and incentives for micro-irrigation adoption
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 –
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 –
Certain ways to promote micro irrigation are-
As Dalwai Committee methods of micro irrigation like sprinkler can save water by 40%. This would ensure the achievement of sustainable development goal 6.