Subject: Economy

Efficient irrigation management is crucial for India's agricultural productivity and water security. The country faces several challenges in its irrigation infrastructure, impacting both agricultural output and sustainable water usage.

Major Challenges in Indian Irrigation System

• Groundwater depletion – India pumps about 25% of the world’s groundwater; 230 districts are now classified as “critical” or “over-exploited”.

• Inefficient on-farm practices – Flood irrigation still covers 65–85% of irrigated land, keeping overall water-use efficiency below 40%.

• Ageing canal infrastructure – Siltation, seepage and poor maintenance waste 30–40% of the surface water conveyed through major and medium systems.

• Water-logging and salinity – Inadequate drainage threatens nearly 13 million ha by 2025, eroding soil health in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and coastal belts.

• Regional and social inequities – While Punjab enjoys 98% irrigation coverage, many eastern and drought-prone districts remain dependent on erratic monsoon flows.

• Climate variability & policy fragmentation – Erratic rainfall, stalled projects and dispersed institutional mandates weaken long-term water budgeting and adaptive planning.

Government Measures for Efficient Irrigation Management

Policy Initiatives

• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Flagship program achieving completion of 63 out of 99 major/medium irrigation projects.

• Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP): Created additional irrigation potential of 25.80 lakh hectares from 2016-17 to 2023-24.

• Command Area Development: Successfully developed 19.28 lakh hectares under various schemes.

Technological Interventions

• Micro-irrigation Promotion: Implementation of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems showing 95% improvement in water use efficiency.

• Crop Diversification: Encouraging farmers to adopt crops suitable for specific irrigation methods.

• Modern Technologies: Integration of IoT and sensors for precision irrigation management.

Performance Improvements

• Yield Enhancement: Adoption of drip irrigation has led to increased yields - 35.5% for sugarcane, 73.3% for banana, and 79.9% for cotton.

• Budget Allocation: Current financial year's budget of Rs. 2040 crore with Rs. 692.20 crore released to states.

The transformation of India's irrigation infrastructure through technological adoption and policy implementation is crucial for achieving agricultural sustainability. Programs like Per Drop More Crop and Mission Water Conservation are steering the country towards efficient water management and enhanced agricultural productivity.