Introduction Water is the lifeline of agriculture, and efficient irrigation is crucial for enhancing crop productivity, farmer income, and food security. India, with its vast agricultural landscape, is heavily dependent on monsoon rainfall, which is often erratic and unevenly distributed. To address water scarcity, optimize irrigation, and ensure sustainable agricultural growth, the Government of India…
Introduction Irrigation is a cornerstone of India’s agricultural development and food security. Efficient irrigation infrastructure ensures timely water availability, improved crop yields, and enhanced rural livelihoods. Despite India having a large network of canals, reservoirs, and tanks, many irrigation projects were slow to complete due to resource constraints, delays in funding, and technical challenges. To…
Introduction Water is one of the most critical resources for agriculture, and India, being heavily dependent on monsoon rainfall, faces significant challenges in efficient water management. A large proportion of India’s cultivated land suffers from water scarcity, over-extraction of groundwater, and inefficient irrigation practices. To address these issues, the Government of India launched the National…
Introduction Agriculture in India is heavily dependent on rainfall, with nearly 60% of cultivated land classified as rainfed areas. These regions often face erratic rainfall, poor soil fertility, low productivity, and higher vulnerability to climate shocks. Farmers in rainfed areas encounter income insecurity, crop failure, indebtedness, and rural distress, which affect livelihoods and the overall…
Introduction India’s agriculture and rural economy heavily depend on water availability and watershed management, especially in rainfed regions, which constitute nearly 60% of cultivated land. Inadequate water management leads to soil erosion, low productivity, and rural distress. To address these challenges, the Government of India launched the Neeranchal Watershed Management Programme (NWMP) in 2018 as…
Introduction Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, employing nearly 50% of the population and contributing significantly to GDP and rural livelihoods. Despite its importance, Indian farmers have long faced challenges such as low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, market volatility, debt burden, and climate-related risks. To address these issues, the Government of India established the…
Introduction Agriculture continues to be the backbone of India’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and food security. Recognizing the need for accelerated agricultural growth, the Government of India launched the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) in 2007–08. This scheme is a centrally sponsored program aimed at enhancing investment in agriculture and allied sectors, promoting…
Introduction As the global population continues to grow and arable land becomes scarce, sustainable food production systems are gaining critical importance. Vertical aquaponics—a synergy of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in water)—has emerged as a promising solution. This innovative, space-efficient method merges vertical farming with aquaponics to create a closed-loop, symbiotic ecosystem that…
Introduction to Smart Irrigation Water scarcity has emerged as one of the most pressing issues facing the world today, particularly in agriculture. Agriculture accounts for about 70% of global freshwater use, and this figure is expected to rise with the increasing demand for food. As populations grow and climate change exacerbates water shortages, farmers are…
Introduction Irrigation plays a crucial role in agriculture, particularly in a state like Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), which has a predominantly agrarian economy. Over the years, irrigation sources in U.P. have undergone significant transformation due to technological advancements, environmental factors, government policies, and the changing needs of farmers. The state has transitioned from traditional irrigation methods…