Budget Allocation for Micro Irrigation: Cultivating a Greener Future for India

In a remarkable stride towards agricultural growth and rural development, India's micro-irrigation sector has witnessed significant transformations. Let's delve into the inspiring numbers and impactful initiatives.

A micro-irrigation fund (MIF) with a substantial ₹5000 crore corpus was established in partnership with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) during the 2018-19 fiscal year. Its primary objective? To enable states to mobilize vital resources.

Under this fund, a whopping ₹12,696 crore in central assistance has been extended to states, with a remarkable ₹11,845 crore having been effectively utilized by the end of the last financial year.

The expansion of irrigation coverage since 2017-18 has been bolstered by a string of programs and projects.

These include the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) and the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), which witnessed a disbursement of ₹11,505 crore between 2017-18 and 2021-23.

Additionally, the Har Khet Ko Paani-Surface Minor Irrigation project accounted for ₹4,000 crore, while the PMKSY-groundwater projects received ₹787 crore. Special packages for Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Srihind feeder, and the Shahpur-Kandi project also played pivotal roles.

In the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh has been a beacon of success with 21 prioritized irrigation projects under PMKSY-AIBP. Astonishingly, 17 of these projects have already been completed, elevating the state's irrigation cover by an impressive 16%.

The crux of this transformation is micro-irrigation. Over 8 million hectares of land in the country have embraced micro-irrigation facilities through sprinklers and drip systems.

What's intriguing is that, while 40% of the total irrigated area in India still relies on canal networks, a significant 60% depends on groundwater. Alarming as it may be, groundwater levels have drastically depleted in various states.

The path ahead is clear; there's so much more to accomplish. The potential for micro-irrigation in India extends to a staggering 60 million hectares.

Conventional surface irrigation barely offers 60% efficiency, whereas drip irrigation soars to an impressive 90%, as expertly noted by SK Jayashankar from the Watershed India Trust.

However, the journey isn't devoid of challenges. Approximately 40% of our cultivable area will remain rain-dependent due to geographical and hydrological constraints. Yet, these challenges inspire innovation and creativity as we strive to unlock the full potential of micro-irrigation.

As we celebrate the milestones achieved and ponder the road ahead, let us continue our collective efforts to ensure sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. Together, we can shape a brighter and more prosperous future for Indian agriculture.