Definition, core objectives, and importance
Irrigation supplements natural precipitation to maintain optimal root zone moisture throughout crop growth stages.
- Supplies essential moisture for seed germination, root development, and nutrient dissolution.
- Moderates soil and canopy microclimate, reducing thermal stress during summer and frost damage in winter.
- Enables multi-cropping and year-round agricultural production on the same parcel of land.
- Improves fertilizer use efficiency when combined with fertigation delivery systems.
Major irrigation methods in Indian agriculture
Farmers deploy various water delivery systems based on soil texture, topography, crop type, and water availability.
- Surface Irrigation: Traditional furrow, basin, and flood irrigation; low initial setup cost but higher water loss through evaporation and deep percolation.
- Drip Irrigation: Emits water directly to plant root zones at low pressure; achieves high water application efficiency between 85% and 95%.
- Sprinkler Irrigation: Sprays water into the air to simulate rainfall; well-suited for undulating terrains and field crops like wheat, pulses, and oilseeds.
- Sub-Surface Drip: Buried drip tubes that eliminate surface evaporation and suppress weed germination between crop rows.
Government initiatives: PMKSY and micro-irrigation subsidies
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) promotes water efficiency under the motto Per Drop More Crop.
- Financial assistance and subsidies available for small, marginal, and general farmers adopting drip and sprinkler systems.
- Implementation handled through state horticulture and agriculture departments via online subsidy portals.
- Promotes community water harvesting structures, farm ponds, and solar pump integration under PM-KUSUM.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the scientific definition of irrigation?
Irrigation is the controlled artificial application of water to soil or growing media to sustain agricultural crops when rainfall is insufficient.
Which irrigation method provides the highest water use efficiency?
Drip micro-irrigation provides the highest efficiency (85% to 95%) because water is delivered directly to the plant root zone with minimal evaporation.
What subsidy is available for drip irrigation 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.
More General Agriculture & Tools guides
Ask Sakhi AI in your language, check live mandi prices or plan a loan with KisanPe tools.