Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India, an agrarian economy, faces a severe water crisis exacerbated by climate change and inefficient irrigation practices. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that approximately 70% of India’s water resources are used for agriculture, highlighting the urgent need for efficient water management. Water Use Efficiency (WUE) is a critical metric for sustainable agriculture, reflecting the productivity of crop yield per unit of water consumed. The “Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana” (PMKSY), launched in 2015, with its “More Crop per Drop” component, aims to improve WUE and address water scarcity through the adoption of micro-irrigation techniques. This answer will delve into the concept of WUE and explore how pressurized irrigation methods contribute to achieving this objective.
Understanding Water Use Efficiency (WUE)
Water Use Efficiency (WUE) can be defined in several ways, but broadly refers to the ratio of crop yield (biomass or grain) to the amount of water consumed by the crop. It's a crucial indicator of agricultural sustainability, especially in water-stressed regions. WUE can be expressed in terms of transpiration-based WUE (biomass/transpiration) or crop yield/total water consumed.
Several factors influence WUE, including crop type, soil properties, climate, and irrigation techniques. Low WUE often results from inefficient irrigation methods like flood irrigation, which leads to significant water losses through evaporation and seepage. Improving WUE is crucial for ensuring food security while conserving precious water resources.
Pressurized Irrigation Methods: A Pathway to WUE
Pressurized irrigation methods, also known as micro-irrigation, deliver water directly to the root zone of plants, minimizing water losses. These methods include:
- Drip Irrigation: Water is slowly dripped into the soil through emitters, ensuring precise water delivery.
- Sprinkler Irrigation: Water is sprayed over the crop canopy through sprinklers, mimicking rainfall.
- Micro-Sprinklers: A hybrid approach combining aspects of drip and sprinkler irrigation, offering localized water distribution.
These methods offer significant advantages over traditional flood irrigation:
- Reduced Water Consumption: Pressurized irrigation can reduce water consumption by 30-70% compared to flood irrigation.
- Increased Crop Yields: Improved water availability and nutrient uptake lead to higher yields.
- Reduced Weed Growth: Targeted water delivery minimizes weed germination.
- Reduced Fertilizer Wastage: Fertilizers can be applied directly to the root zone (fertigation), increasing their efficiency.
- Suitability for Diverse Topographies: Pressurized systems can be adapted to uneven terrain.
Role in "More Crop per Drop" Programme
The "More Crop per Drop" component of PMKSY specifically promotes the adoption of pressurized irrigation systems. Key features of the programme include:
- Financial Assistance: Subsidies are provided to farmers for installing drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.
- Awareness Campaigns: Extensive campaigns are conducted to educate farmers about the benefits of micro-irrigation.
- Training Programs: Training programs are organized for farmers and technicians to ensure proper installation and maintenance of the systems.
- Convergence with other Schemes: Integration with other agricultural schemes like Soil Health Card Scheme and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY).
The programme aims to bring 100% area under micro-irrigation by 2030. According to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, approximately 72.88 lakh hectares have been covered under micro-irrigation as of December 2023.
Challenges and Way Forward
Despite the benefits, the adoption of pressurized irrigation faces challenges:
- High Initial Cost: The initial investment can be a barrier for small and marginal farmers.
- Lack of Awareness: Many farmers are unaware of the benefits and proper operation of these systems.
- Water Quality Issues: Poor water quality can clog emitters and reduce system efficiency.
- Maintenance and Repair: Requires technical expertise and timely maintenance.
To overcome these challenges, the following steps are crucial:
- Financial Support: Increased subsidies and easy access to credit for farmers.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging private sector participation in system design, installation, and maintenance.
- Capacity Building: Training farmers and technicians on system operation and maintenance.
- Water Quality Management: Promoting water harvesting and treatment techniques.
- Localized Solutions: Developing customized irrigation solutions for different crops and regions.
Comparison of Irrigation Methods
| Method | Water Use Efficiency | Initial Cost | Maintenance | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flood Irrigation | Low (30-50%) | Low | Low | Flat terrain, water-abundant areas |
| Sprinkler Irrigation | Moderate (60-75%) | Moderate | Moderate | Sloping terrain, various crops |
| Drip Irrigation | High (80-95%) | High | High | Water-scarce areas, orchards, row crops |
Conclusion
Water use efficiency is paramount for sustainable agricultural development in India. Pressurized irrigation methods offer a viable solution to enhance WUE, contributing directly to the objectives of the “More Crop per Drop” programme. While challenges remain, concerted efforts involving government subsidies, farmer education, and technological innovation can pave the way for widespread adoption and ensure a water-secure future for Indian agriculture. A holistic approach combining efficient irrigation with other sustainable practices is crucial for long-term success.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.