Q17.How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis ?

India faces a severe water crisis, exacerbated by water-intensive agriculture. Micro-irrigation, including drip and sprinkler systems, offers a crucial solution for efficient water management.

How Micro-Irrigation Helps

Micro-irrigation systems deliver water precisely to the plant root zone, significantly reducing water wastage.

• Minimizes evaporation and runoff losses.
• Ensures efficient nutrient delivery, reducing fertilizer use.
• Achieves 30-70% water savings compared to traditional methods.

Extent of Help and Challenges

It is vital for addressing agriculture's 80% freshwater demand, enhancing food security and farmer income. However, challenges persist.

• High initial cost and small landholdings hinder adoption.
• Lack of awareness and technical know-how.
• Maintenance issues and policy implementation gaps.

Way Forward

Micro-irrigation is indispensable for sustainable agriculture and mitigating India's water crisis, requiring concerted efforts for widespread implementation.