In current scenario of increasing scarcity of water resources, the micro-irrigation can be a game changer for agriculture in India by making it more efficient, productive and sustainable. Analyse. Also enumerate various steps taken by the government to promote micro irrigation in India.

Micro-irrigation system is a modern method of irrigation by using drippers, sprinklers, foggers, etc. Micro irrigation refers to delivering water directly at the roots of the plants to minimize wastage and surface run-off.

Benefits of micro irrigation:

• Prevents wastage of water. Up to 90% water can be saved as compared to traditional methods.
• Recycling of water from other uses.
• Suitable for all types of soil.
• Prevents nutrient washing off.
• Enables fertigation and chemigation – delivering of nutrients and/or chemicals along with water.
• Amount of water can be modified as per crop requirement.
• Prevent surface erosion due to run-off.
• Saves energy as compared to traditional water pump system.

Problems in wide scale adaptation:

• High initial cost.
• Lack of awareness among farmers.
• Lacunae in on-ground implementation of government schemes.
• Bureaucratic delays and delays in reimbursement of subsidies.

Steps being taken by the government:

• “Har Khet ko Pani” – Promotion of micro irrigation among farmers.
• “More crop per drop” – Water use efficiency through awareness of techniques among farmers.
• Accelerated irrigation benefit programme to focus on micro irrigation techniques.
• MoU with Israel for transfer of technology – Israel is a world leader in this field.

Agriculture uses majority of fresh water and it is becoming more and more scarce resource nowadays. The efficient use of available water for irrigation is imperative to make agriculture and productive and sustainable. Technological innovations such as micro-irrigation can play a crucial role in water-resource management.