More Crop per Drop: Micro-Irrigation

How drip and sprinkler irrigation save water and raise yields, why adoption is limited, and how subsidies try to spread it.

Micro-irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots.

Types

Drip irrigation: water drips through pipes near each plant.
Sprinkler irrigation: water sprays like rain.

Benefits

Water savings of around 30 to 50 percent compared with flood irrigation.
Higher yields, since plants get steady water.
Fertiliser can be delivered through drips (fertigation).
Less weeding and labour.

Adoption

India’s micro-irrigation area has grown but covers only a fraction of irrigated land. States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat lead.

Barriers

Upfront costs.
Small, fragmented plots.
Free power and water, which reduce the incentive to save.
Crops like rice not suited to drip.

Subsidies

PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana offers subsidies, often 55 percent for small farmers, under its “Per Drop More Crop” component.

Rebound effect

Saved water may be used to expand irrigated area, so total water use doesn’t always fall. Policies need to address this.

The sugarcane switch

A Maharashtra sugarcane farmer installs drip irrigation. He uses much less water and his yields rise, though he's tempted to plant more cane with the savings.

Thinking efficient irrigation always reduces total water use

Farmers may expand irrigation with saved water, the rebound effect.

Key takeaways

Drip and sprinkler irrigation save water and raise yields.
Adoption is growing but limited.
Costs, small plots and free power are barriers.
The rebound effect can offset savings.