Impact and implications of drip irrigation systems in Indian agriculture: A comparative analysis

Abstract

Water scarcity is becoming a growing issue in agriculture, affecting plant growth, yield, and the full potential of seeds and fertilizers. Micro-irrigation systems have become essential tools for addressing this crisis, saving water, energy, and fertilizers while also generating employment opportunities. Drip irrigation stands out as being particularly effective among them. Water is precisely applied to crops using drip irrigation, both above and below the soil's surface. With this approach, water usage is maximized and waste is reduced. This paper provides an insightful review of research on the impact of drip irrigation on agriculture, as well as its performance evaluation in managing existing water sources. Drip systems are a flexible solution because they can be used in all of India's diverse regions, including the North, Northeast, Central, East, and South. Drip irrigation has the potential to transform farming economics. Farmers' earnings are increased as operational costs are reduced. Furthermore, it increases cropping intensity over time and contributes to overall productivity improvement. As water scarcity persists, adopting innovative solutions such as drip irrigation becomes critical to ensuring agricultural sustainability and food production.