GS3 · 15 marks · 250 words

Micro-irrigation systems can revolutionize Indian agriculture, but adoption remains limited. In this context, discuss how micro-irrigation can help in sustainable water management. What are the barriers to its widespread adoption? Suggest measures to overcome them.

Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Irrigation and WaterAgri-technologySubsidies and MSP

Syllabus: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, - different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.

How toppers approached it

From all 4 answers · about 260 words · 25% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A definition3 of 4
  • A figure1 of 4

Body

  • Points4 of 4

Close

  • A summary2 of 4
  • A way forward2 of 4

The toppers’ answers

Pakshal SecretryAIR 8 · CSE 2025 · 203 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Micro - Irrigation refers to system of technological upgradation like drip irrigation, sprinkle system etc that improve "water use efficiency".

Body · points

Role in sustainable water management

  1. As per Ashok Dalwai Committee Micro Irrigation can → increase saving by 40%. → improve productivity by 45%. → improve farm income by 50%

  2. Improves water use efficiency rate eg. Israel 95% (WUE) due to of micro-irrigation

  3. Promotes recycling and reuse of water

④ Precision agriculture → reduces input use of water.

⑤ Improve water recharge capacity and water retention in soil.

Barriers in adoption

① High cost of Micro Irrigation installation.

② Limited awareness among the farmers.

③ Complex operation procedure (eg. sprinkler vs flood irrigation procedure).

④ Lack of extension services on micro-irrigation.

⑤ Small & marginal farmers (85%) with small holding (<0.85 ha) → unfeasible adoption.

⑥ Limited government support.

Diagram
Steps Taken - Government Subsidy - Micro Irrigation Fund - Custom Hiring centres

Measures Needed

  1. Incentivise adoption → by reducing cost of Micro-irrigation
  2. Extension services to farmer
  3. Newer Technique → fertigation to overall improve productivity
  4. Subsidy on adopting MI
  5. Pricing on water use by pump irrigation
  6. Ashok Gulati → Develop a "Water trade" market for credits

Close · a way forward

Promoting circular agriculture using 3Rs : Reduce, Reuse, Recycle should be way forward

More on Irrigation and Water

Irrigation systems and their types, groundwater depletion, micro-irrigation, river linking, water-use efficiency in farming.

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