Micro-Irrigation Development in India: Challenges and Strategies

In the context of climate change, micro-irrigation (MI; drip and sprinkler systems) has the potential to address problemslike water scarcity and emission of greenhouse gases fromagriculture. The central and state governments promote MI through heavy subsidies, but without much considera-tion to supply-side factors like water harvesting, socio-economic factors, including affordability of upfront capital cost and agronomic factors like extant farming system. Despite heavy investments, MI coverage is less than 15% ofthe potential. This article contextualizes MI development in India and proposes alternative policies to achieve the twin objectives of water harvesting and its efficient usage. They include developing affordable systems,small farm orientation of technology, popula-rizing MI in canal commands, prioritization and water budgeting, harnessing circular economy in water usage, and developing institutional mechanisms. MI has the potential to serve both as an adaptation and mitigation strategy against climate change.