CAN micro irrigation adoption help in doubling farmers income: A case study of Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Himachal Pradesh is characterized by low production due to unreliable and sparse water availability. Though, varied agro-climatic conditions hold great potential for producing cash crops, the economic conditions of the farmers has not improved over the years, mainly due to dependence on rain for crop production. However, in recent years, use of micro irrigation is increasing in fruits and vegetable crops in the state giving impetus to the farmers’ income. A detailed survey of all the 12 districts was carried out to assess the current status and potential of micro irrigation (MI) in agricultural/horticultural crops in relation to income generation and increase in crop productivity. Based upon the survey, SWOT analysis on potential of micro irrigation was done to suggest suitable recommendations for mass adoption. In depth study on assessment of potential of MI, its preliminary status, economic aspects and technical issues limiting its usage on large scale was done. From the study, it can be concluded that micro-irrigation programme has contributed significantly in increasing income in water scarce areas by increasing water-use efficiency and enhancing income manifold depending upon the acreage under cultivation by diversifying to cash crops from traditional agricultural crops.