Over Half of Cultivated Land Now has Irrigation Access of 52%, Reports Niti Aayog

In a significant development, official data for 2022-23 reveals that over half of India's cultivated land now enjoys assured irrigation. This is all due to the expansion of micro-projects with improved water-use efficiency. Out of the country's gross sown area spanning 141 million hectares, an impressive 52%, or approximately 73 million hectares, now have access to irrigation, marking a substantial increase from the 41% recorded in 2016.

Notably, this rise in irrigation coverage, particularly in arid agricultural regions like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, is expected to mitigate the adverse effects of increasingly dry summers and irregular monsoons, which are partly attributed to the climate crisis.

With agriculture accounting for nearly 80% of India's annual available water use, equivalent to 700 billion cubic meters, the monsoon season from June to September remains crucial for the nation's fifth-largest economy, particularly for the growth of summer-sown crops (kharif). Poor monsoons can severely impact farm incomes and have broader implications on the economy, as rural demand plays a pivotal role in India's economic expansion. For example, rural customers contribute to nearly half of the annual sales of two-wheelers.

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Scientists, including Roxy Mathew Koll from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, have observed that global warming has disrupted the rain-bearing system, resulting in erratic rainfall patterns characterized by intense downpours or prolonged dry spells. Recognizing the need to address these challenges, a micro-irrigation fund (MIF) was established in 2018-19, in collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), to assist states in mobilizing resources. The MIF, with a corpus of ₹5000 crore, has facilitated central assistance of ₹12,696 crores to states, of which ₹11,845 crores has been utilized as of the previous financial year.

The remarkable expansion of irrigation coverage since 2017-18 can be attributed to six key programs and projects. This scheme includes the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) which obtained ₹11,505 crores between 2017-18 and 2021-23. Additionally, the Har Khet Ko Paani-Surface Minor Irrigation project received ₹4,000 crores, PMKSY-groundwater projects received ₹787 crores and a special package for Maharashtra amounted to ₹1,988 crores. Other projects, such as Rajasthan and Srihind feeder (₹300 crore) and Shahpur-Kandi project (₹298 crores), have also contributed to the expansion of irrigation cover. In Madhya Pradesh, under the PMKSY-AIBP, 17 out of 21 prioritized irrigation projects have been completed, resulting in a 16% increase in the state's irrigation coverage.

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Out of the overall expansion in irrigation infrastructure, micro irrigation facilities utilizing sprinklers and drip systems have been installed on 8 million hectares. Currently, canal networks account for 40% of the irrigated area, while groundwater supports 60%, although groundwater levels have significantly depleted in several states. Recognizing the importance of water conservation and efficiency, experts emphasize the substantial potential for micro-irrigation in the country, estimated to reach 60 million hectares. While conventional surface irrigation achieves approximately 60% efficiency, drip irrigation can attain an impressive 90% efficiency, leading to improved agricultural productivity and sustainable water management.

Roughly 40% of the cultivable area in India will continue to rely on rainfall due to hydrological and geographical constraints, making it unfeasible to establish extensive irrigation networks in certain regions. Nevertheless, the expansion of irrigation access is a significant step forward, bolstering India's agricultural sector's resilience and enhancing food security while mitigating the challenges posed by a changing climate.

-Hindustan Times

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