Answer

“Water is the driving force of all nature,” said Leonardo da Vinci, yet India, with its vast agricultural sector, faces acute water management issues. Agriculture accounts for about 80% of India’s available water use of 700 billion cubic metres annually, but the irrigation system is strained by water scarcity, outdated infrastructure, and inefficient water usage, which warrants a deeper look.

Major Challenges Faced by the Indian Irrigation System in Recent Times:

• Dependence on Unpredictable Monsoon Patterns: India’s irrigation is heavily dependent on the monsoon, which is erratic and often delayed.
  For example: Regions like Marathwada and Vidarbha in Maharashtra face repeated droughts, leading to crop failures and increased farmer distress.
• Deterioration of Irrigation Infrastructure: Many irrigation systems are decades old and poorly maintained, leading to inefficiencies and water wastage. Dams and canals are silted, and distribution networks are leaking, reducing the availability of water at the farm level.
• Subsidized Electricity: Cheap or free electricity for agricultural pumping encourages farmers to over-extract groundwater, depleting aquifers, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. This unsustainable practice leads to long-term water scarcity.
  For example: The excessive use of tubewells in Punjab has led to a sharp decline in the region’s water table.
• High Costs of Modern Irrigation Systems: Modern systems like drip and sprinkler irrigation are effective in saving water but have high initial costs. This makes it difficult for small and marginal farmers to adopt these technologies without financial support.
• Fragmented Policy Implementation: India’s irrigation policies are fragmented across different levels of government, leading to poor coordination and inefficiency. Lack of integrated water resource management further complicates the implementation of irrigation schemes.
  For example: The implementation of the PMKSY faces bottlenecks due to poor coordination between central and state authorities.
• Water Pollution from Agricultural Runoff: The overuse of fertilizers and pesticides has led to the contamination of water bodies, making water unusable for irrigation. This is particularly harmful in regions where rivers are the primary source of water for irrigation.
• Climate Change Impacting Water Availability: Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, which disrupt traditional irrigation practices.

Measures Taken by the Government for Efficient Irrigation Management:

• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Launched in 2015, PMKSY aims to provide Har Khet Ko Pani (Water for Every Field) by improving irrigation infrastructure, promoting micro-irrigation, and ensuring the efficient use of water resources across the country.
• Command Area Development and Water Management: This program focuses on improving the utilization of irrigation potential through better management practices in command areas, promoting field channels and water management.
• Revision of the National Water Policy (2012): The National Water Policy (2012) emphasizes sustainable water management, focusing on efficient irrigation practices, reducing water wastage, and adopting water-saving technologies such as drip irrigation and sprinkler systems.
• Support for Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM): PIM promotes the active participation of Water User Associations in irrigation management. It empowers farmers to maintain canal systems, leading to better water management at the local level.
• Adoption of Advanced Technologies: The use of remote sensing, GIS, and satellite data is being promoted to monitor irrigation projects and improve water use efficiency.
• International Collaborations for Improved Irrigation Techniques: India has collaborated with countries like Israel and Australia to adopt modern irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation and precision farming, which help in optimizing water usage and improving crop yields.

Way Ahead:

• Enhanced Integration of Policies Across Levels of Government: A more cohesive approach to policy-making and implementation is required, ensuring that state and central governments work together to solve irrigation challenges and promote sustainable practices.
• Expansion of Subsidies for Sustainable Irrigation Technology: Extending subsidies and financial incentives for the adoption of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems will encourage small farmers to embrace water-efficient methods, increasing agricultural productivity.
• Establishment of a Comprehensive Water Resource Monitoring Framework: Creating a national water resource database will allow better tracking and monitoring of water use across regions, helping manage water efficiently in irrigation schemes and addressing over-extraction.
• Reform of Water Laws and Regulations: Legal reforms are necessary to ensure equitable water distribution, prevent overuse, and promote the use of sustainable irrigation technologies. Water laws need to be restructured to focus on conservation and efficient management.
• Promotion of Water-Smart Agriculture: Encouraging the adoption of water-smart agricultural practices, such as rainwater harvesting, zero tillage, and integrated watershed management, can help in optimizing water use in farming. These techniques will conserve water while maintaining agricultural productivity.

As India’s water resources face increasing pressure, efficient irrigation management is crucial. By adopting innovative policies, technology, and effective governance, India can turn challenges into opportunities for sustainable agriculture and water security.

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