The agriculture sector utilizes approximately 78% of India’s total usable water resources. However, 45% of agricultural land is rainfed.
Major challenges faced by Indian Irrigation system
P – Political Factors
Political populism – Eg- power and irrigation subsidies in Punjab
Inter-State Water Disputes – Conflicts such as the Cauvery Water Dispute and the Satluj Yamuna Link Canal hinder efficient water distribution and irrigation planning.
Prioritization of Large-Scale Projects – Political support often favors large-scale projects that benefit influential farmers and regions.
E – Economic Factors
Declining Public Investment since the 1980s, with a shift toward input subsidies rather than capital investment. (Economic Survey)
High Cost of Irrigation Infrastructure
85% farmers have <2 ha, making modern irrigation systems uneconomical
S – Social Factors
Weak Water Users Associations (WUAs) – lack capacity and resources.
Uneven Irrigation Distribution – Northern & coastal regions have better irrigation, while central and western India suffer inadequate supply.
T – Technological Factors
Low Water Use Efficiency (WUE) – Flood irrigation (~70%) leads to evaporation, runoff, and seepage losses.
Aging & Poorly Maintained Canal Systems – Unlined canals cause 40-50% seepage losses.
Low adoption of technology – Eg- micro-irrigation covers only 7.6% of the net sown area
L – Legal / Governance Factors
Weak Enforcement of Water Governance Rules (Mihir Shah Committee)
E – Environmental Factors
Groundwater Depletion – Eg- Punjab’s water table declines by ~1 meter annually.
Poor drainage leads to salinization and reduced soil fertility, especially in canal-irrigated regions.
Climate Change Impact – Eg- glacial retreat in the Himalayas threatens long-term river flows.
Government Measures for Efficient Irrigation Management
PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – Promotes micro-irrigation (drip/sprinkler) through subsidies.
Components: Har Khet Ko Pani, Per Drop More Crop, Watershed Development.
Micro-Irrigation Fund (NABARD) – Dedicated fund of to expand drip and sprinkler systems.
Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal) – Focus on groundwater management in water-stressed districts through community participation.
Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) – Financial assistance for completion of long-pending major and medium irrigation projects.
Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) by strengthening Water Users Associations (WUAs).
Bureau of Water Use Efficiency under Ministry of Jal Shakti – To improve water use efficiency by 20%
State level initiatives
Mission Kakatiya, Telangana – Restoration of 46,531 minor irrigation tanks
Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan, Maharashtra – watershed development, farm ponds, desilting of streams.
Crop Diversification Initiatives
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
Increase in MSP for Pulses and Millets. Eg- 60% for Ragi
PM KUSUM: Promotes the use of solar-powered pumps for micro-irrigation
Timely and efficient implementations of government programmes is essential for achieving equitable, efficient and sustainable irrigation management. (“Vision for Sujalam Bharat”)