India is indeed facing a severe water crisis, which is expected to worsen in the coming years. According to a BBC report, by 2030 the demand for water will double the available supply, which could lead to a decline in crop production and reduced labor efficiency.
Meanwhile, The Circle of Blue reports that after two consecutive years of weak monsoons, 330 million people in India, a quarter of the country's population, are affected by severe drought. More than 60 percent of agricultural land in India is not irrigated, so failed rains are particularly devastating for farmers.
That's why our food growers and agriculture professionals are always looking for the best option to irrigate crops. One such option is Drip Irrigation, a precise micro-irrigation system that delivers water directly to the root zone of plants, drop by drop, through a network of pipes, tubes, and emitters. This method of irrigation ensures the optimal health of crops plus reduction of water consumption by up to 50% and increase crop yield by 25-30%.
Such irrigation techniques are the best alternatives to preserve crop yield and quality in drought-prone areas. These systems can reduce water consumption by 20 to 60 percent when compared to conventional flood irrigation methods. It is designed to deliver water at a slow and steady rate, which helps to minimize water loss due to evaporation and runoff.
The system can be used for a variety of crops, including vegetables, fruits, and flowers. This smart irrigation technology covers more crops per drop, making it an efficient and sustainable solution to the water crisis in India.
How does drip irrigation work?,
Drip irrigation works by using a network of pipes, tubes, and emitters to deliver water directly to the root zone of plants, drop by drop. An emitter is the component of drip irrigation that is provided near the stem of the plant through which water is transmitted from the source through a network of pipes, it helps to minimize water loss due to evaporation and runoff. The system can be controlled by a timer or a computer, which allows for precise control over the amount of water delivered to each plant.
Water drips out through emitters at a very slow rate. In India, emitters at 4.8 liters per hour are generally used. The time of operation of drip irrigation is decided upon the crop type, age of crop, and moisture distribution pattern of the dripper selected. If this policy is followed, drip irrigation is found to save 70–75% water. Further, it results in favorable crop growth and thereby increases yield, which can be up to 20–25% as compared to traditional irrigation systems.
Drip irrigation is a precise and efficient method of watering plants, and it is particularly useful in areas where water is scarce or expensive. It is also an environmentally friendly method of irrigation, as it reduces water consumption and minimizes the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
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Example of a commercial setup, Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
The major components of a drip irrigation system are:
Pump station: Takes water from the source and provides the right pressure for delivery into the pipe system.
Control valves: Control the discharge and pressure in the entire system.
Filtration system: Cleans the water. Common types of filter include screen filters and graded sand filters which remove fine material suspended in the water.
Fertilizer tank/venturi: Slowly add a measured dose of fertilizer into the water during irrigation. This is one of the major advantages of drip irrigation over other methods.
Mainlines, sub mains and laterals: Supply water from the control head into the fields. They are usually made from PVC or polyethylene hose and should be buried below ground because they easily degrade when exposed to direct solar radiation.
Emitters or drippers: Devices used to control the discharge of water from the lateral to the plants. They are usually spaced more than 1 metre apart with one or more emitters used for a single plant such as a tree.
Is drip irrigation system is economically viable for farmers?,
Yes, effective irrigation techniques enable farmers to mitigate some of the challenges associated with water scarcity, especially for perennial crops and drought-prone regions. Several factors influence the choice of the irrigation method, ranging from the type of soil, crop, water availability, and access to other resources.
In such a situation,
drip irrigation can be economically viable for farmers depending on various
factors such as the crop being grown, the size of the farm, the cost of water
and electricity, and the availability of government subsidies and incentives.
Drip irrigation is a production tool that delivers water, plants nutrients, and chemicals in the right place, at the correct amount, and at the right time with the highest efficiency and uniformity. It allows farmers to use water more effectively than traditional irrigation methods, such as flood irrigation, which can be very wasteful, with large amounts of water being lost due to evaporation and runoff. In contrast, drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots of the plants, reducing water loss and ensuring that the plants receive the optimal amount of water needed for their growth. This can result in significant water savings, which can be crucial in regions with limited water resources.
Drip irrigation can also increase crop yields by providing plants with a consistent supply of water, ensuring that crops are well-nourished and healthy, resulting in better quality produce. Drip irrigation also allows for precise application of fertilizers, reducing the risk of over-fertilization and potential harm to the environment.
Overall, drip
irrigation can be economically viable, but it requires careful planning and
consideration of various factors. Farmers should evaluate their specific
situation and conduct a cost-benefit analysis before deciding to invest in a
drip irrigation system.
In India, the
government has been implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Micro Irrigation
with the objective of enhancing water use efficiency in the agriculture sector
by promoting appropriate technological interventions like drip and sprinkler
irrigation technologies and encouraging farmers to use water-saving and
conservation technologies. The scheme was launched by the Department of
Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture in January 2006 as
Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Micro Irrigation (CSS). In June 2010, it was
upscaled to National Mission on Micro Irrigation (NMMI), which continued till
the year 2013-14. From 1st April 2014, NMMI was subsumed under NMSA and
implemented as “On Farm Water Management” during the financial year 2014-15.
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