Que. What are the major challenges faced by Indian irrigation system in recent times? State the measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management.
हाल के दिनों में भारतीय सिंचाई प्रणाली के सामने क्या प्रमुख चुनौतियाँ हैं? कुशल सिंचाई प्रबंधन के लिए सरकार द्वारा अपनाए गए उपायों को बताइए।
Structure of the Answer
(i) Introduction: Briefly highlight “challenges in India’s irrigation” in recent times due to “water scarcity,” outdated infrastructure, and climate impacts.
(ii) Main Body: Discuss the “major challenges” in Indian irrigation, followed by key “government measures” for efficient and sustainable irrigation management.
(iii) Conclusion: Emphasize the role of “policy reforms” and “technological interventions” in addressing irrigation challenges for agricultural resilience.
Introduction
India’s “irrigation system” faces mounting challenges, including “water scarcity,” outdated infrastructure, and climate-related uncertainties. These issues impact agricultural productivity and sustainability. Effective “irrigation management” is vital to secure India’s agricultural future and ensure water resource conservation.
Major Challenges in the Indian Irrigation System
(i) Depletion of Groundwater Resources: Excessive reliance on groundwater for irrigation has led to “severe depletion,” particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, causing acute water shortages.
(ii) Inefficient and Outdated Infrastructure: Many irrigation systems use traditional methods, resulting in “water wastage” and limiting efficient water delivery to farmlands, impacting productivity.
(iii) Regional Imbalance in Water Distribution: Unequal distribution across states creates “disparities,” where water-abundant areas benefit while dry regions face severe shortages, hampering crop diversity.
(iv) Climate Change and Unpredictable Rainfall: “Climate variability” leads to erratic rainfall, causing droughts and floods, affecting water availability and disrupting irrigation reliability in many regions.
(v) Limited Use of Modern Irrigation Technologies: Slow adoption of micro-irrigation techniques, like “drip and sprinkler systems,” means inefficient water use, especially in water-scarce areas.
Government Measures for Efficient Irrigation Management
(i) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Promotes “micro-irrigation” methods like drip and sprinkler irrigation to improve water-use efficiency and reduce groundwater dependence.
(ii) Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal): Aims at sustainable “groundwater management” through community-led initiatives in overexploited areas to maintain water tables and resource availability.
(iii) National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Focuses on “conservation” of water resources by encouraging climate-resilient farming techniques and efficient irrigation practices across agro-climatic zones.
(iv) Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM): Ensures “efficient water distribution” at the field level, addressing last-mile delivery to improve water accessibility for crops.
(v) Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM): Promotes solar-powered “irrigation pumps” to reduce electricity use, lowering farmers’ costs and ensuring continuous water supply.
Technological and Innovative Approaches in Irrigation
(i) Adoption of Micro-Irrigation Systems: Encourages “water-efficient” systems like drip and sprinkler irrigation, minimizing water use by delivering it directly to the root zones of crops.
(ii) Sensor-Based Irrigation Monitoring: Provides “real-time soil data” through sensors, enabling farmers to apply precise amounts of water based on soil moisture and crop needs.
(iii) Rainwater Harvesting and Storage Systems: Promotes “water conservation” by capturing rainwater, storing it for off-season use, and improving water availability during dry spells.
(iv) Reuse of Treated Wastewater for Irrigation: Utilizes “recycled water” from treatment plants, providing a sustainable alternative to groundwater, particularly for non-edible crops.
(v) Use of GIS and Remote Sensing: Helps in “monitoring water resources” by mapping water bodies, irrigation areas, and groundwater levels for better water management.
Community and Farmer Involvement for Effective Irrigation Management
(i) Farmer Awareness Programs: Government-led initiatives raise “awareness” on water conservation, teaching farmers about efficient irrigation and sustainable practices.
(ii) Incentives for Modern Irrigation Adoption: Provides “subsidies” and financial incentives for farmers adopting micro-irrigation, encouraging a shift from traditional to efficient systems.
(iii) Community Water Management Initiatives: Involves “local bodies” like Panchayats in water management, promoting community ownership and localized decision-making for water use.
(iv) Training on Water-Saving Techniques: Conducts training sessions on “efficient irrigation,” equipping farmers with skills to maximize water usage while conserving resources.
(v) Farmer-Managed Irrigation Systems (FMIS): Empowers farmers to “manage irrigation,” enhancing accountability and efficiency in water distribution through participatory management.
Conclusion
Efficient irrigation management, driven by “policy initiatives” and technological innovations, is essential for sustainable agriculture. Government efforts, combined with farmer participation, can address challenges, ensuring a resilient and “water-efficient” future for Indian agriculture.
