Importance of Micro Irrigation For NGOs In Agriculture Sector | Wotr

Topic: Importance of Micro Irrigation For NGOs In Agriculture Sector Primary Keyword: ngo working in agriculture sector, ngo in agriculture sector, ngo supporting agriculture

India is a predominantly agricultural nation, and producing agricultural goods requires water. By improving water use efficiency in agriculture, which can be accomplished by introducing cutting-edge technologies like micro irrigation, the present and future agricultural demands may be met. A variety of micro-irrigation devices are currently utilized in agriculture, but their high cost is preventing their widespread application. Small farmers in developing nations seek economic viability for any novel technology. Therefore, in India, the economics of micro-irrigation technology are quite important. The country's growing population is driving up food demand, which will pose a severe concern in the future. In order to improve agricultural production, micro-irrigation makes optimal use of water and many NGO working in agricultural sector are pitching towards it.

Introduction to Micro-irrigation Low pressure irrigation systems including sprinklers, misters, sprays, and drips are referred to as micro irrigation systems. It involves applying water to plants precisely, slowly, and frequently in the form of continuous drops using emitters, which are small devices placed at certain locations along water distribution laterals. It allows for frequent watering of the root zone.

Why adopt Micro-irrigation?

Many NGOs in agriculture sector explain that due to excessive water use and groundwater depletion, there is a severe shortage of irrigation water in many regions, and demand for water for non-agricultural and irrigation purposes is continuously rising. In India, surface irrigation is a common method, but its water efficiency is only between 40 and 50 percent. Because water is supplied once every 7–20 days, depending on the soil, crop, and environment, plants experience water stress during surface irrigation, which eventually affects crop growth and output.

In order to maximize water use efficiency, micro irrigation technologies must be used. Because water is administered effectively according to crop needs and surface runoff and deep percolation are completely avoided, micro irrigation achieves water use efficiency of 80–90%.

Surface irrigation systems make it exceedingly difficult to irrigate crops regularly, whereas micro irrigation delivers water to crops every day and maintains moisture levels at field capacity in the root zone, increasing crop yield.

Micro-irrigation and Its Suitability ● ● ● ●

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High-value crops with wide spacing, such as cotton, citrus, and coconut.

Very sensitive crops, such as bananas and tobacco.

Plants grown in nurseries and glass houses require particular care.

Crops like sugarcane, tea, tobacco, etc. that are harvested for their vegetative components severe water shortage regions are a major issue with labor and energy scarcity.

Efficient irrigation without leveling in very undulating terrain.

Quite effective in locations with poor irrigation water quality (saline water).

Benefits of Micro Irrigation NGOs supporting agriculture relate with the benefits of Micro Irrigation too.

Water Efficiently: The best irrigation technique available today is drip irrigation. ● dispenses a precise quantity of water where it is needed. ● minimizes overwatering ● reduces the need for weeding ● water is saved. ● reduces costs Saving time: Setting up a drip system will allow you to save time as well as water. ● Stop spending hours hand-watering. ● is entirely automatable using a timer ● reduces or does away with weeding Saving money: Drip systems naturally deliver water to the plant roots. ● 30% to 50% less water is used with drip irrigation. ● You can recoup the cost of the system in one to two seasons. ● With less water being lost to evaporation, your utility (water) cost will be reduced. ● With good planning, drip irrigation components will survive for many years.

Versatile: Drip irrigation systems are extremely versatile and may be utilized almost anyplace. ● Row crops, gardens, vineyards, and greenhouses ● fresh or existing landscapes ● Hills or level ground ● enduring and flexible ● A fertilizer injector allows fertiliser to be delivered to the plants even when the system is operating.

Promotes Plant Health: Drip irrigation places water at the base of the plants rather than on the leaves, promoting plant health. ● reduces the likelihood of leaf mildew ● reduces the likelihood of pathogens growing and spreading on moist leaves ● decreases the evaporation of airborne water droplets

Drip irrigation according to the NGOs in agriculture sector is increasingly in demand since water supplies are depleting and water prices are rising. The management of limited water resources must be egalitarian, effective, and sustainable on a local and global scale. Here are some easy ways that you can contribute: 1. When drought-tolerant native shrubs and trees are used in landscaping and gardening, you can save time and water. These plants will gradually require less attention, watering, and fertilizing as a result of their natural adaptation to your local environment. You can reduce plantings that need a lot of maintenance by utilizing as many native species as you can. These natural plants won't need watering in a few years.

2. Even better, surround your native trees and plants with small rounded stones, wood chips, or hardscape (big rock) to completely replace your lawn. It costs a lot of time, money, and water to maintain a lawn. Fertilizing, weeding, and using a lawnmower will all be obsolete. Chemical fertiliser, gas pollutants, and noise exposure will all be reduced. Your utility cost will decrease as a direct result of this adjustment.

3. In vegetable, ornamental, and fruit orchard gardens, an effective drip system can reduce your water usage by up to 50%.

4. According to the NGOs working in agricultural sector, to keep the moisture underneath plants and shrubs, apply a thick layer of mulch to the earth. Mulch comes in a variety of forms, such as wood chips, ground bark, tiny stones, or a substantial layer of leaves. By laying down this barrier, you can decrease weed growth, enhance soil fertility and health, enhance the aesthetic appeal of your environment, and conserve water.

5. To lessen evaporation, set timers to water before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.

6. Before starting a cycle, make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are both full.

Water and electricity will both be saved in this way.

7. Take shorter showers inside the house and nearby. Navy showers are the best way to save water. To get wet, turn on the shower. Lather up after turning off the water. Restart the water faucet and wash yourself.