Irrigation Techniques and Water Management in Indian Agriculture

 

Learn about traditional and modern irrigation techniques, including drip, sprinkler, and flood systems, along with water-saving tips, government schemes, and drought management strategies tailored for Indian farmers.

Introduction: The Lifeline of Indian Farming

Water is the most critical input for agriculture, especially in a country like India where over 60% of the population depends on farming. However, with increasing water scarcity and erratic monsoons, effective irrigation and water management are no longer optional—they are essential. This blog explores all aspects of irrigation techniques and water-saving methods that every Indian farmer should know.

                                                                         

1. Traditional vs Modern Irrigation Methods

A. Traditional Irrigation Techniques

1. Canal Irrigation: Water is diverted from rivers into man-made canals. Popular in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

2. Tank Irrigation: Water is collected in tanks or ponds during monsoon and used throughout the season. Common in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

3. Wells and Tube Wells: Farmers draw groundwater using diesel or electric pumps.

Pros:

• Low setup cost (inherited systems)

• Easy to operate

Cons:

• High water wastage

• Salinization and overuse of groundwater

B. Modern Irrigation Techniques

1. Drip Irrigation: Delivers water directly to the root zone drop by drop.

2. Sprinkler Irrigation: Water is sprayed like rainfall through pipes and nozzles.

3. Subsurface Irrigation: Water is supplied below the soil surface through buried pipelines.

Pros:

• High water-use efficiency

• Suitable for all soil types

Cons:

• Higher installation cost

• Requires maintenance and training

Modern systems save 40–70% water compared to traditional methods.

                                                                     

 

2. Drip, Sprinkler & Flood Irrigation: Which One is Best?

A. Drip Irrigation

• Ideal for: Fruits, vegetables, sugarcane

• Saves up to 60% water

• Reduces weed growth and disease spread

• Increases yield by 20–30%

B. Sprinkler Irrigation

• Ideal for: Wheat, pulses, lawns

• Mimics rainfall

• Covers large area with uniform distribution

C. Flood Irrigation

• Most common but least efficient

• Suitable for: Rice, paddy fields

• Causes nutrient leaching and waterlogging

MethodWater Use EfficiencyInitial CostMaintenanceCrop Suitability

DripHighHighMediumFruits, Vegetables

SprinklerMediumMediumMediumCereals, Lawns

FloodLowLowLowPaddy, Pulses (traditional)

                                                                       

3. Water-Saving Techniques for Indian Farmers

A. Mulching

• Use straw, plastic, or green cover to retain soil moisture.

• Reduces evaporation by 60%.

B. Rainwater Harvesting

• Collect rainwater from rooftops or land surfaces.

• Store in tanks or farm ponds for future use.

C. Laser Land Leveling

• Levels the field using laser-guided tools.

• Increases water use efficiency by 25%.

D. Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD)

• Used in paddy farming.

• Saves 30% water and increases yield.

E. Use of Soil Moisture Sensors

• Helps in knowing exactly when and how much to irrigate.

Water saved is water produced — conservation is key to future farming.

                                                                   

 

4. Government Schemes Supporting Irrigation

A. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

• Goal: 'Har Khet Ko Pani'

• Subsidy on drip and sprinkler systems

• Funds for rainwater harvesting, water tanks

B. Per Drop More Crop

• Micro-irrigation promotion

• Offers 55–75% subsidy on drip/sprinkler setup

C. NABARD Irrigation Scheme

• Financial assistance for farm ponds, wells, pipelines

• Loans and grants through cooperative banks

D. Atal Bhujal Yojana

• Groundwater management in water-stressed districts

• Community-led water budgeting

Scheme NameBenefitEligibility

PMKSYSubsidy on irrigation systemsAll farmers

Per Drop More CropDrip/Sprinkler subsidySmall & marginal farmers

NABARD SchemeLoans for irrigation infrastructureThrough cooperative banks

Atal Bhujal YojanaCommunity water managementSpecific regions

                                                                     

5. Managing Water in Drought Conditions

A. Drought-Resistant Crop Varieties

• Bajra, Jowar, Ragi, Groundnut

• Require less water and are more resilient

B. Agroforestry

• Planting trees along field boundaries

• Improves soil moisture retention

C. Farm Ponds & Check Dams

• Store monsoon runoff

• Recharge groundwater

D. Community Tank Filling Systems

• Use lift irrigation from rivers or reservoirs

• Share water among farmer groups

E. Contour Farming and Trenches

• Trap rainwater in sloped regions

• Reduce soil erosion and runoff

Preparedness is better than panic. Drought resilience starts with smart planning.

                                                                         

 

Conclusion: Smarter Irrigation, Sustainable Farming

India’s agricultural future depends heavily on how efficiently we use water. With climate change and depleting groundwater, farmers must shift towards sustainable, scientific irrigation methods. From adopting drip irrigation to leveraging government subsidies, the solutions are available — what’s needed is awareness and action.

Remember: “Jal hai to Kal hai.”

Suggested Tools for Farmers

• JalTARA App: Track groundwater availability

• Mitti App by ICAR: Irrigation and soil advice

• mKisan Portal: Weather-based irrigation alerts

Suggested Reading

• Pest and Disease Management in Crops: A Complete Guide for Indian Farmers

• How to Apply for PMKSY Subsidy