the Indian government started the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), or Prime Minister’s Agricultural Irrigation Program, in July 2015, with the slogan “Maximum Crop Per Drop.” This is a policy initiative to shift to micro-irrigation to “save” water in agriculture and increase crop yields.
Irrigation in India
In India, perhaps more than 80 percent of available water is used for irrigation. Irrigation is the controlled application of water through man-made systems to meet agricultural water requirements. Irrigation is the artificial application of water to crops or plants, especially when an agricultural area does not receive sufficient water through rainfall. With perhaps the largest irrigated area in the world, India faces water scarcity. We need to adopt irrigation methods that not only help conserve fresh water but also provide adequate water for plant growth. One such method now being adopted in India is “micro-irrigation.”
What is in this unit?
In this unit, you will learn about the main features and functions of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. This unit covers various aspects of micro-irrigation systems, including types of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, land-slope characteristics, crops grown under micro-irrigation systems, and system layout and layout.
How Sprinklers Work
Sprinklers are a common practice in both urban and rural areas to water lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields. They not only distribute water evenly but also help conserve valuable natural resources. In sprinkler irrigation systems, irrigation is done using fountains.
Sprinklers spray water into the air through nozzles, which form droplets and fall on the surface of crops.
How Drip Irrigation Works
You may have seen equipment, pipes, and drippers in nurseries and agricultural fields, through which water is supplied directly to plants for irrigation. This is mostly done by a sprayer. Drip irrigation is a system in which water is supplied directly to the roots through a network of plastic pipes, lateral tubes, valves and emitters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the PMKSY program?
PMKSY is a government plan started in 2015. It helps farmers use less water and grow more crops. The main idea is to get maximum crop per drop of water.
Why do we need to save water in farming?
Most of our water goes to farming. Many places do not get good rain, so we have a water shortage. We must use new ways to save water so plants can still grow well without wasting water.
What is a sprinkler?
A sprinkler works like artificial rain. It pushes water up in the air using pipes. Then, the water falls down in small drops on the plants and the ground.
What is a drip system?
Drip system sends water straight to the roots of the plant. It uses thin plastic pipes. Water comes out drop by drop, so no water is wasted on empty ground.
Which system is better for saving water?
Drip system is the best for saving water because it puts water exactly where the roots are. Sprinklers are good if you have a big open field or a lawn that needs water everywhere.