Making Irrigation Water Use Efficientin India

1. Making Irrigation Water Use Efficient
by
Dr. M.K. Sinha,
Chairman,
Godavari River Management Board,
Ministry of Jal Shakti,
Government of India

2. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Atmnirbharata, river rejuvenation
Valuing water, jal shakti abhiyan
Aviralata, Nirmalta & swacchhta
Continuity, cleanliness,
Environment, sustainability
Bijli, Sadak and Paani
Roti, Kapda aur Makan
Environment, efficient, River Rejuvenation,
Sustainability, Atmnirbharata,
Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan Mission
Aviralata, Nirmalta & swacchhta
Bijli, Sadak and Paani
Roti, Kapda aur Makan
Growth of perceptions on water in India
Amrit Kal

3. Country Total agricultural
water withdrawal
Irrigation water
withdrawal
Arable Land Cereal Productivity
Units (10^9m3/yr) (10^9m3/yr) Million Ha Kg/Ha
India 688.0 550.4 158.0 2572
China 358.0 286.4 108.6 5450
USA 192.4 153.9 163.7 7236
Pakistan 172.4 137.9 20.4 2790
Bangladesh 31.5 25.2 7.5 4141
Indonesia 92.8 74.2 22.7 4813
Source: AQUASTAT & FAOSTAT 2011 [EXIM Occasional Paper 155]
Agricultural Water Use in select Countries

4. INIATIVES UNDERTAKEN:
1. National Water Mission as part of National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC),
approved by the Union Cabinet on 6th April, 2012
i. Comprehensive water data base in public domain and assessment of the Impact of
climate change on water resource,
ii. Promotion of citizen and state actions for water conservation, augmentation and
preservation,
iii. Focused attention to vulnerable areas including over-exploited areas,
iv. Increasing water use efficiency by 20%, and
v. Promotion of basin level integrated water resources management.
2. Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India vide Office Order No. 738/2022 dated 20th
October, 2022 set up the National Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (NBWUE) under National
Water Mission for promotion, regulation, and control of efficient use of water in irrigation,
industrial and domestic sectors.
3. NBWUE set up a Task Force and the Task Force constituted a Sub Group on Irrigation under
Chairmanship of Chairman, Godavari River Management Board.

5. Method of Conveyance/irrigation Efficiency type Micro Irrigation Surface
Irrigation
Sprinkler Drip
Canal Based Conveyance Conveyance efficiency (%) 70 70 70
Field Canal Efficiency (%) 90 90 90
Field Application Efficiency(%0 75 90 60
Overall efficiency (%) 47.25 56.7 37.8
Pipe Based Conveyance Conveyance efficiency (%) 95 95 95
Field Canal Efficiency (%) 95 95 95
Field Application Efficiency(%0 75 90 60
Overall efficiency (%) 67.88 81.23 54.15
Comparison of irrigation Efficiencies
During 10th & 11th Five Year Plans, in order to make a realistic assessment of water use efficiency of
completed major/medium irrigation projects, CWC under the Plan Scheme of Ministry of Water
Resources-‘R&D in Water Sector’ conducted Water use Efficiency studies in respect of 35 projects from
07 States. Most of these studies were completed during Year 2006 to 2009. The overall project efficiency
of the studied projects ranged from 13% to 62% with the group weighted average (on culturable
command area basis) of the projects studied at around 36%

6. 1. Increasing Utilizable Water
Out of annual average water availability of about 2000 BCM
with 4000 BCM annual precipitation.
Unfortunately, only 1133 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) (<30%)
is considered as utilizable
~ 690 BCM of surface water and
~ 433 of ground water
 Increase Water Storage (258 BCM 450 BCM)
 Mission Amrit Sarovar
 Repair Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies
 Review all existing reservoirs- for possible increase in
storage capacity
National Water Policy (2012) stipulates increasing water
storage in its various forms, namely, soil moisture, ponds,
ground water, small and large reservoirs and their
combination.

7. 1. Defining Water Use efficiency
Irrigation efficiency (IE): Ratio of the water consumed relative to the water withdrawn from a source or applied IE =
QReq / QDiv ,Where QReq is the volume of water required for irrigation (which includes water needed for crop
transpiration, leaching to prevent salinization, weed control, etc.) and QDiv is the volume of water diverted from
the source of supply.
Water Productivity (WP) is defined as the ratio of the total crop output, expressed either in physical (crop yield,
fodder) or economic value of production to the amount of irrigation water applied or consumed
We may adopt Irrigation Efficiency as a measure to define Water Use Efficiency in Irrigation sector.
6.4 By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and
supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water
scarcity
Sustainable Development Goal
But in our country water is considered as Nature’s gift. So public good and not an economic good.
Hence economic productivity of water as a measure of efficiency may not be acceptable in our country

8. WAYS TO ACHIEVE WATER USE EFFICIENCY
A. Regulatory Measures - Appraisal & Monitoring of Water Resources Projects
a) The Governments initiative to increase water use efficiency should get reflected in
Water Resources Project Appraisal/Monitoring process.
b) The Guidelines for Preparation of Detailed Project Report may stipulate
determining Project Irrigation Efficiency and ways to measure on regular basis.
Minimum Project Irrigation Efficiency may need to be stipulated like Minimum
Benefit Cost ratio for technoeconomic appraisal, and investment clearance.
c) Similar stipulation may need to be prescribed for Central assistance under
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and Command Area
Development and Water Management (CADWM) Schemes.
d) The Extension Renovation and Modernization scheme should aim for substantial
improvement in Project Irrigation Efficiency.

9. A. Conservation of water
 Reduce conveyance losses by lining channels or, preferably, by using
closed conduits – piped irrigation distribution network, micro irrigation
 Reduce direct evaporation during irrigation by avoiding midday
sprinkling. Minimize foliar interception by under-canopy, rather than by
overhead sprinkling.- micro irrigation
 Reduce runoff and percolation losses due to overirrigation.
 Reduce evaporation from bare soil by mulching and by keeping the
inter-row strips dry.
 Reduce transpiration by weeds, keeping the inter-row strips dry and
applying weed control measures where needed.
WAYS TO ACHIEVE WATER USE EFFICIENCY

10. B. Enhancement of crop growth
 Select most suitable and marketable crops for the agroclimatic region.
 Use optimal timing for planting and harvesting.
 Use optimal tillage (avoid excessive cultivation).
 Use appropriate insect, parasite and weed/disease control.
 Apply manures and green manures where possible and fertilize
effectively (preferably by injecting the necessary nutrients into the
irrigation water).
 Practise soil conservation for long-term sustainability.
 Avoid progressive salinization by monitoring water-table elevation and
early signs of salt accumulation, and by appropriate drainage.
 Irrigate at high frequency and in the exact amounts needed to prevent
water deficits, taking account of weather conditions and crop growth
stage (using demand management through SCADA)
WAYS TO ACHIEVE WATER USE EFFICIENCY

11. MAKING IRRIGATION WATER EFFICIENT - TECHNIQUES
1. Micro irrigation - Micro irrigation is the frequent application of small
quantities of water on or below the soil surface as drops, tiny streams or
miniature spray through emitters or applicators placed along a water
delivery line. Micro-spray,localized, low-volume, low-flow, or trickle
irrigation
(a) Drip Irrigation - directly deliver water to the plant root into the soil.
(a) Sprinkler Irrigation - a method of applying irrigation water which is
similar to natural rainfall
(a) Zia pits - small basins in which seed of annual or perennial crops are
planted.
(a) Terrace farming - s a method of farming whereby “steps” known as
terraces are built onto the slopes of hills and mountains to be used
for crop cultivation

12. MAKING IRRIGATION WATER EFFICIENT - TECHNIQUES
1. Conservation of water- Saving of water to protect, preserve, and
control the usage of water
2. (a) Rain water harvesting – conserving rain water like farm ponds
1. (b) Watershed management-process of implementing land use
practices and water management practices to protect and improve
the quality of the water and other natural resources within a
watershed by managing the use of those land and water resources
in a comprehensive manner.
1. Conservation tillage- reduce erosion by protecting the soil surface
and allowing water to infiltrate instead of running off.

13. MAKING IRRIGATION WATER EFFICIENT - TECHNIQUES
1. Better agronomic practices - increasing farm income
(a) Sahi fasal- choose right crop as per agroclimatic zones,
Soil conditions
(b) Crop diversification – addition of new crops or cropping systems to
agricultural production on a particular farm taking into account the different
returns from value- added crops with complementary marketing opportunities
( c) Agroforestry - agroforestry refers to any of a broad range of land use
practices where pasture or crops are integrated with trees and shrubs
(d) Agro based Industries - that have agricultural produce as raw materials , which
are consumer-based industries. Cotton, jute, silk, woollen textiles, sugar and edible
oil, etc. industry are based on agricultural raw materials

14. STRATEGIES FOR INCREASING WATER USE EFFICIENCY
SHORT TERM STRATEGIES
1. Regulatory structures and governance mechanisms for integrated water resource management
are weak and scattered across various Departments in States. State Government should
consider setting up Water Resources Regulatory Authorities at the State level with clearly
defined functions to regulate water resources and increase water use efficiency.
2. Periodic measurement of water supplied and water use efficiency in agriculture and regular
disclosure of performance data is critical. This should form a part of the mandate of the State
Water Regulatory Authority. Adequate measuring devices should be integral component of the
Project.
3. Adoption of pressurized Irrigation distribution Network at tertiary distribution level along with
Micro Irrigation in the Command area in mission mode, along With agricultural extension
services, capacity building of individual Farmers, Water Users Association and reorienting field
Irrigation Engineers.
4. The State Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Supply departments should work in conjunction.
Partnerships need to be forged with WALMIs, Agricultural Colleges, Academic Institutions and
farmers to develop Water Auditors, Capacity building, enhance water use efficiency at farm
level.

15. STRATEGIES FOR INCREASING WATER USE EFFICIENCY
SHORT TERM STRATEGIES
5. Central Water Commission (CWC) should immediately revise the Guidelines for preparation of
Detailed Project Reports for Irrigation and Multipurpose Projects giving due weightage to Irrigation
Efficiency also along with Benefit Cost ratio and also making a mandatory provision for post
Project management i.e. adequate provision for data collection, volumetric measurements and
disclosure of effective performance evaluation, benchmarking and Water auditing of Irrigation
Projects.
6. A minimum irrigation efficiency, say 50% (achievable), be prescribed for recommendation from the
Advisory Committee of Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation
of Ministry of Jala Shakti and subsequent investment clearance and accordingly lining of canal,
Pressurized Irrigation Network & Micro Irrigation application (on field application) may be made
mandatory for new irrigation Projects and Command Area Development works. Distribution
network of existing Project may gradually be transformed into pressurized Irrigation network with
micro irrigation through revamping Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)- Command
Area Development & Water Management (CADWM) Schemes.
7. A minimum irrigation efficiency, say 60% (achievable) be prescribed for National Projects, Central
Assistance under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and Command Area
Development & Water Management (CAD&WM) Schemes

16. STRATEGIES FOR INCREASING WATER USE EFFICIENCY
SHORT TERM STRATEGIES
8. Participatory Irrigation Management through Water User associations may be made mandatory and
they may be supplied water on volumetric basis and authorized to collect Water User rates and be
mandated to maintain water distribution system with necessary technical authorization to retain part
of irrigation service fees/water user rates and with technical support from Irrigation departments
9. Substantial improvement in irrigation efficiency, say 25% (50 to 75%) be prescribed for inclusion of
Projects under Extension, Renovation and Modernization (ERM) under PMKSY with emphasis on
below outlet Piped Irrigation Network & precision Irrigation application (on field application).
10.Incentivization schemes through instituting Water awards, Cash/direct incentives and system of
water credits be Instituted to motivate Farmers/Water User associations and State Irrigation
Departments to promote water efficient irrigation.
11.Rewards and Incentives to be designed to enhance water use efficiency, and to promote the Reduce,
Recycle & Reuse (RRR) of Domestic Waste Water for irrigation/horticulture. Irrigation drainage or
return flow should be ploughed back in irrigation to reduce fresh water demands.
12.Promotion of ‘Sahi Fasal’ needs to be taken to ground level after necessary scientific assessment of
agro-climatic zone in the country through soil health cards. Technical/Financial Support should be
provided to Farmers/Water User associations/States attempting to promote crop diversification.

17. SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM STRATEGIES FOR INCREASING WATER USE EFFICIENCY
LONG TERM STRATEGIES
1. Irrigation Efficiency grants to States be proposed to next (Sixteenth) Finance Commission for
efficient irrigation systems comprising of Pressurized Irrigation network with micro irrigation along
with establishing a system of Irrigation benchmarking and auditing for Irrigation Projects along
with Water regulatory authorities with model Terms of References and capacity building of Water
User Associations
2. A system of Irrigation benchmarking and auditing for Irrigation Projects along with Water regulatory
authorities with model Terms of References be established in each State/UT.
3. Pressurized Irrigation distribution Network at tertiary distribution level along with Micro Irrigation in
the Command area in mission mode, along With agricultural extension services, capacity building
of individual Farmers, Water Users Association and reorienting field Irrigation Engineers.
4. Undertaking Water Use Efficiency improvement Projects in all States/UTs through respective
Irrigation Departments, first through demonstrative Projects. Best practices may be implemented in
demonstrative Projects and to allay technical hesitations, if any.
5. Utilizable water may be increased by increasing water conservation, integrating with Amrit
Sarovars, Repair, Renovation & Restoration of Water tanks, uprating (if possible) of reservoirs, etc.
Floating solar panels may be encouraged to reduce evaporation losses and generation of
renewable energy.

18. Estimates of water saving
Present use 650 BCM
Estimated saving 100 BCM
Additional irrigation 30-40 BCM
Domestic and industrial need 30-40 BCM
Return to Environment 20-40 BCM
REVAMPING PMKSY & CADWM – recommended by Sectoral Group (Irrigation)

19. T H A N K Y O U