Subject: Economy

In the era of increasing water scarcity and climate variability, water-use efficiency has emerged as a critical component for sustainable agricultural practices and food security. The optimization of water resources through innovative irrigation technologies like micro-irrigation systems has become imperative for achieving agricultural sustainability.

Understanding Water-Use Efficiency

• Water-use efficiency refers to the ratio of water beneficially used to the total amount of water applied, measuring the effectiveness of water utilization in agricultural production.
• It encompasses both technical efficiency (minimizing water losses) and economic efficiency (maximizing productivity per unit of water).
• The concept is crucial in the context of water stress and the need to produce more food with limited water resources.

Role of Micro-Irrigation in Enhancing Water-Use Efficiency

• Precision Water Application:

  • Micro-irrigation systems deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff losses.
  • Studies in Maharashtra show water savings of 16.43% to 85.81% through micro-irrigation implementation.

• Yield Enhancement:

  • Gujarat's experience demonstrates 15% water savings in wheat cultivation with 21% yield increase compared to conventional irrigation.
  • Crop-specific improvements include 15.4% yield increase in tomatoes and 35-50% in cotton production.

• Resource Optimization:

  • Enables efficient fertilizer application through fertigation.
  • Reduces labor costs and improves soil health through targeted nutrient delivery.

Government Support and Implementation

• Policy Initiatives:
  • Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) provides subsidies for micro-irrigation adoption.
  • Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) component specifically focuses on micro-irrigation promotion.
  • Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) through NABARD facilitates state-level implementation.

The adoption of micro-irrigation systems represents a transformative approach in agricultural water management, demonstrated by success stories from Maharashtra and Gujarat. Through continued policy support and technological innovation, micro-irrigation holds the key to achieving the twin objectives of water conservation and agricultural productivity enhancement.