Drip & Sprinkler Irrigation

Modern Farming Techniques

Water is the lifeline of farming. But in many parts of India, water is becoming scarce. Traditional flood irrigation wastes a lot of water (up to 50–60% lost by evaporation and runoff). To save water and still grow healthy crops, farmers use modern irrigation systems like drip and sprinklers.

💧 1. Drip Irrigation

What it is: A system where water is supplied slowly and directly to the roots of plants through pipes and drippers.

How it works:

  • A network of pipes is laid in the field.
  • Small holes (emitters) drip water at the root zone of each plant.
  • Water is given drop by drop, exactly where needed.

Advantages:

  • Saves 40–60% water.
  • Reduces weed growth (since water only reaches plants, not whole field).
  • Suitable for uneven land.
  • Fertilizers can be mixed with water → fertigation.
  • Improves yield (vegetables, fruits).

Crops Best Suited for Drip:

  • Vegetables: Tomato, chili, brinjal, cucumber.
  • Fruits: Grapes, banana, pomegranate, mango.
  • Cash crops: Cotton, sugarcane.

👉 Example:

A tomato farmer in Maharashtra switched to drip irrigation and doubled yield with half the water compared to flood irrigation.

🌧️ 2. Sprinkler Irrigation

What it is: A system where water is sprayed into the air and falls like natural rain through sprinklers.

How it works:

  • A network of pipes with rotating sprinkler heads is installed.
  • Water is pumped under pressure, creating a rain-like effect.

Advantages:

  • Uniform water distribution.
  • Suitable for sandy soils and cereals.
  • Saves 30–40% water compared to flood irrigation.
  • Useful in areas with irregular rainfall.

Crops Best Suited for Sprinkler:

  • Wheat, maize, millet.
  • Groundnut, mustard, pulses.
  • Lawns, nurseries, and vegetables.

⚖️ Drip vs. Sprinkler (Quick Comparison)

FeatureDripSprinkler
Water Saving40–60%30–40%
Best ForVegetables, fruits, orchardsCereals, oilseeds, lawns
Weed GrowthLess (water only at roots)More (water spreads all over)
Initial CostHigherMedium
EfficiencyVery highModerate

🧑‍🌾 Government Support

Many state governments in India provide subsidy (50–80%) for drip and sprinkler systems under PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana).

Farmers can apply through agriculture departments or Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

✍️ Practical Exercise for You

Try this simple activity:

  • If you have a garden or small farm, set up a simple drip system using plastic pipes and a water can with small holes.
  • Water half your plants with drip, half with flooding.
  • Observe after 10 days — drip-irrigated plants look fresher, and weeds are fewer.