Drip and sprinkler irrigation techniques are a boon for agriculture. Learn which crops they are effective for

As the scope of agriculture expands, water for irrigation is becoming scarce. In areas like Rajasthan, where water is already scarce, traditional irrigation techniques are impossible. In such a situation, modern irrigation techniques are a boon for farmers. Drip and sprinkler irrigation techniques allow farmers to achieve good yields with less water, which is why the government is promoting these techniques through subsidies. Surendra Jain, a distributor for Jain Irrigation in Hisar, Haryana, told Kisan of India that modern irrigation techniques are very useful and beneficial in today’s times.

Mini sprinklers are an effective irrigation technique.

Surendra, Jain Irrigation’s Hisar distributor, explains that farmers have become more aware and are adopting modern irrigation techniques. Mini sprinklers are a very useful irrigation technique that is fixed from the time of sowing to the time of harvesting. Its speciality is that it does not require frequent uprooting or shifting. It is removed only after the crop is harvested. It can be used to irrigate all types of crops, such as mustard, sorghum, millet, fodder, wheat, etc. This saves water, and 56 mini sprinklers are installed per acre. One sprinkler covers an area of ​​6 meters.

Equipment for Irrigating Tall Crops

Crops like sugarcane and sorghum are tall, so mini sprinklers can’t irrigate them properly. Surendra explains that special equipment has been developed for irrigating such crops. By attaching it to a mini sprinkler, the height of the mini sprinkler can be increased, allowing for easier irrigation of taller crops. This equipment costs 60-70 rupees.

Rain guns are suitable for irrigating large areas.

Rain guns are suitable for farmers who want to irrigate large areas and have the necessary funds. Surendra explains that rain guns cover a 100-foot area. They are suitable for large-area irrigation and rotate in a circular motion. However, if farmers wish to prevent water from flowing into neighboring fields, they can turn the gun to one side, preventing it from rotating in all directions. The height of the rain gun can also be adjusted as needed. It operates at a minimum pressure of 4 kg. Because it doesn’t receive any subsidy, it’s a bit more expensive.

Rain guns are expensive, so most farmers opt for mini sprinklers with 56 nozzles instead. Mini sprinklers offer the option of opening one or three nozzles, meaning they can operate on a low-power motor. Farmers who already have borewells can also use them; they don’t need to install anything separately.

Filters for cleaning impurities in water

The sprinkler has small holes through which water flows, which can sometimes attract sand and dirt. A special filter has been designed to prevent this problem. Surendra explains that there’s a hydrocyclone filter that, when attached to the borewell, cleans out the sand and dirt. If there’s a tank for sprinklers, there’s a second setup to clean it, removing moss and leaves and delivering clean water.

Advantages of Drip and Sprinkler

Both drip and sprinkler methods minimize water wastage, making them suitable for areas with limited water. Drip delivers water directly to the plant’s roots, preventing evaporation, resulting in more efficient water use. Sprinkler irrigation is ideal for large areas or gardens. Because the water sprays like a fountain, some evaporation occurs, but it’s suitable for irrigating large areas.

The traditional method of irrigation, known as flood irrigation, is a permanent method, but water is not suitable today due to water scarcity. Drip and sprinkler systems save water and improve yields, so more farmers should adopt this technology to conserve water.

For which crops is it effective?

Surendra says that sprinklers can be used to irrigate all types of crops. In Hisar, farmers are using them for all types of crops, including paddy, cotton, pulses, mustard, and wheat.

How much subsidy do you get?

Surendra explains that the government provides an 85% subsidy on the purchase of mini sprinklers, so farmers only have to spend 14,000-15,000 rupees per acre. He further adds that to avail the subsidy, farmers must have their own land, and they must have at least one acre. Although farmers may have to spend a little from their pockets initially, this investment is a one-time one and the cost is recovered from the first crop itself. 

How can farmers install mini sprinklers?

This is very effective even for small farmers. If a farmer wants to install one in their fields, they can contact a Jain Irrigation dealer. Surendra explains that Jain Irrigation has dealers in every district and tehsil, and farmers can contact them to get one installed. Once installed, it lasts for 15 to 20 years.

Farmers have become more aware these days and want to make farming a profitable business, so they are increasingly using everything from modern equipment to modern irrigation techniques. Modern irrigation methods not only save water but also improve yields.