Irrigation

Villagers in Rajasthan restore grasslands to save the endangered Great Indian bustard

Irrigated agriculture consumes the largest share of freshwater resources, including both surface water and groundwater. As high as 40 percent of irrigation is dependent on groundwater, accounting for 70 percent of the total groundwater extractions world over and this share is predicted to increase with climate change. 

In a randomized field experiment, researchers test whether training medium scale farmers in an agricultural water reduction practice reduces water use from common aquifers in Haryana, India.

Indian farmers have shifted from growing traditional crops to commercial crops with the help of modern technology and micro-irrigation systems. Farmers are increasingly implementing micro-irrigation systems to ensure precise water and nutrient delivery, which is essential for the success of these crops as agriculture shifts towards high-value crops.

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Since the last few decades, the central government (and also multiple states) has been promoting micro irrigation (drip and sprinkler) under various schemes. These schemes mainly include National Mission on Micro Irrigation (NMMI), On Farm Water Management (OFWM), and now Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).

The large volume of wastewater remains untreated due to inadequate wastewater treatment facilities and the struggle to regulate it in many countries in the world. But it is being reused as a source of irrigation in urban and peri-urban areas.

Reservoir sedimentation is often seen as a site-specific process and is usually assessed at an individual reservoir level. At the same time, it takes place everywhere in the world. However, estimates of storage losses globally are largely lacking.

Having its domain in agriculture and allied activities, rural development, drinking water and sanitation, energy and transportation sector, water resources are quite crucial for an economy of a state. A union budget other than making financial provisions, also tells us about the vision of a government.

India issues notice to Pakistan seeking modification to Indus Waters Treaty