Key components of a standard drip irrigation kit
A comprehensive drip kit includes all hydraulic parts required from water source to emitter.
- Mainline & Sub-Main Pipes: HDPE or PVC pipes that convey pressurized water from the pump or water tank to field plots.
- Lateral Pipes: Flexible LLDPE tubes (typically 12 mm or 16 mm diameter) laid along crop rows.
- Drippers & Emitters: Online button drippers (2, 4, or 8 liters per hour) or inline dripper laterals with integrated dripper spacing (20, 30, 40, or 50 cm).
- Screen / Disc Filter: Vital component that strains physical algae, sand, and silt particles to prevent emitter clogging.
- Venturi Injector: Suction device installed on the mainline to inject water-soluble fertilizers directly into irrigation water.
- Control Valves & End Caps: Ball valves to regulate pressure per plot and flush end caps to clean laterals.
Installation steps and field layout
Proper installation ensures uniform water emission across all lateral rows.
- Layout Planning: Position the mainline along the field edge and run laterals perpendicular across raised crop beds.
- Connecting Laterals: Punch holes into sub-main pipes using a take-off punch and secure laterals using grommets and barbed joiners.
- Stretching Laterals: Lay laterals straight along crop rows, keeping emitters facing upward; seal the ends with 'figure-8' end plugs.
- System Flushing: Flush mainlines and laterals with clean water for 5 minutes before capping ends to remove manufacturing dust and soil.
Maintenance routines and PMKSY subsidies
Periodic cleaning extends kit life, while central schemes provide significant cost subsidies.
- Filter Cleaning: Remove and wash the screen or disc filter cartridge weekly under a clean water stream.
- Lateral Flushing: Open end caps once every 15 days to flush out accumulated silt and fine particles.
- Acid Treatment: Flush lines with mild food-grade acid periodically to dissolve calcium carbonate scaling if using hard groundwater.
- PMKSY Subsidies: Subsidies are provided to small, marginal, and general farmers under the Per Drop More Crop scheme.
- Apply through your state horticulture or agriculture engineering portal with Aadhaar and land documents.
Official source
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Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
Can a small drip irrigation kit run without an electric motor?
Yes, gravity-fed family drip kits can operate from an elevated water storage tank placed 1.5 to 2 meters above ground level without requiring electric pumps.
What is the function of a venturi injector in a drip kit?
A venturi injector uses water pressure differences to draw liquid fertilizer from a bucket directly into irrigation pipes, delivering nutrients straight to plant roots.
What subsidy is available on drip irrigation kits in India?
Subsidies are provided under the PMKSY Per Drop More Crop scheme, offering substantial financial assistance varying by farmer category and state guidelines.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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