Challenges in Scaling Micro Irrigation in Monsoon-Dependent India
Why monsoon-dependent India still struggles to scale micro irrigation
Business Standard
Image: Business Standard
The India Meteorological Department forecasts a below-normal southwest monsoon for 2026, raising concerns over agricultural dependency on rainfall. Despite government initiatives for micro irrigation, adoption remains uneven across states, with Punjab lagging significantly behind Gujarat, highlighting the need for deeper reforms to enhance water-use efficiency.
- 01The India Meteorological Department predicts a below-normal monsoon for 2026, raising concerns for agriculture reliant on rainfall.
- 02Micro irrigation methods, such as drip and sprinkler systems, are underutilized despite government initiatives over the past two decades.
- 03Punjab has only 0.18% coverage under the Per Drop More Crop scheme, contrasting sharply with Gujarat's 13.02%.
- 04Free electricity for groundwater irrigation in Punjab discourages farmers from adopting water-saving technologies.
- 05Effective implementation of subsidies and supportive infrastructure are crucial for increasing micro irrigation adoption.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The India Meteorological Department's forecast for the 2026 southwest monsoon indicates a potential rainfall of only 92% of the long-period average, reigniting concerns about India's agricultural dependency on monsoon rains. Despite the government's long-standing initiatives to promote micro irrigation, including the Per Drop More Crop scheme, adoption rates are highly uneven across states. For instance, Punjab has only 15,173 hectares under this scheme, representing a mere 0.18% of national coverage, while Gujarat has achieved 10.87 lakh hectares, or 13.02% of the total. Factors such as free electricity for groundwater irrigation in Punjab create disincentives for farmers to conserve water, while Gujarat's comprehensive support system, including subsidies and agronomical assistance, has fostered greater adoption. Experts argue that while subsidies are essential, they must be paired with broader reforms and infrastructure improvements to effectively enhance water-use efficiency in agriculture.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The reliance on monsoon rainfall means that farmers face increased risks of crop failure during dry spells. Improved micro irrigation could enhance water-use efficiency, potentially stabilizing farm outputs and food prices.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What should be prioritized to improve micro irrigation adoption?
Connecting to poll...
More about India Meteorological Department
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.