Low Cost Irrigation Method
What Is the Cheapest and Most Effective Irrigation Method?
When farmers talk about saving water and money at the same time, drip irrigation is the method that comes up again and again. Today, it is widely considered the cheapest and most cost-effective irrigation system because it uses very little water and delivers that water directly to the roots of the plants.
With this efficient irrigation method, water use can be reduced by 50–70%, and crop yield can increase by 30–50%. Reports from India’s Ministry of Agriculture and several international studies also confirm that drip irrigation is one of the most effective water-saving irrigation systems, especially in dry and semi-arid regions.
Irrigation: The Backbone of Agriculture
Irrigation is the foundation of successful farming. It keeps crops growing, reduces dependency on rainfall, and gives farmers better control over production.
In India, nearly 60% of agriculture still depends on rainfall, which makes proper irrigation extremely important. Fields that are irrigated regularly usually give much higher yields compared to rain-fed farms.
Climate Change and the Growing Water Crisis
Climate change has made water management in farming more difficult than ever. Traditional irrigation methods are no longer enough because of:
- Irregular and unpredictable rainfall
- Continuous fall in groundwater levels, especially in tube-well areas
- Increase in drought frequency and duration
- Reduced water in rivers, ponds, and reservoirs
- High water wastage in old irrigation systems
All these factors make water-efficient irrigation a necessity, not a choice.
Traditional Irrigation Systems and Their Limitations
In many rural areas of India, farmers still use traditional irrigation methods such as canals, tube wells, borewells, and bucket irrigation.
These systems waste a lot of water and do not distribute it evenly across the field. For example, in canal irrigation, 30–40% of water is lost through leakage and evaporation before it even reaches the crops.
Tube-well and borewell systems depend heavily on groundwater. This causes water tables to drop rapidly. They also need a lot of electricity, which increases costs and makes them less practical for small farmers in the long run.
Introduction to Modern Irrigation Systems
Modern irrigation methods aim to produce more using fewer resources. These are also called precision irrigation systems because they supply water based on the plant’s exact need, at the right time and in the right quantity.
In modern types of farming, drip and sprinkler systems fall into this category. They are especially useful in areas where water is limited. These systems also manage soil moisture carefully, which helps maintain soil health and fertility.
Today, modern irrigation is not just about delivering water- it is about saving water, reducing input costs, and increasing crop productivity. That is why micro-irrigation and drip-based systems are being adopted so quickly.
Why Is Drip Irrigation the Most Cost-Effective Option?
Drip irrigation is considered the most affordable because it works with less water, less energy, and less labor.
Water goes directly to the plant roots, so there is no wastage through evaporation or runoff. This makes it perfect for vegetables, fruits, and horticulture crops.
The initial cost of a drip system is usually between ₹35,000 and ₹60,000 per hectare. While this may seem high, the investment is recovered over time because farmers save on water, fertilizers, and electricity, and their crop yield increases.
Many Indian states also provide 50% to 80% subsidy on drip irrigation under government schemes. This reduces the financial burden on farmers and makes drip irrigation a true low-cost irrigation solution in the long run.
Sprinkler Irrigation: A Good Choice for Flat Land
Sprinkler irrigation works best on flat land where even water distribution is needed. It is commonly used for crops like wheat, pulses, and oilseeds.
However, it has some limitations. In high temperatures or strong winds, more water can be lost through evaporation. Poor-quality water can also clog the nozzles, reducing system efficiency.
Micro-Irrigation and Its Growth in India
Micro-irrigation includes both drip and sprinkler systems. These methods are especially helpful for small and marginal farmers.
In India, micro-irrigation covered about 2.5 million hectares in 2005, which grew to 13.5 million hectares by 2022. States like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka are leading in adoption.
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) has played a major role in this growth by providing financial support and technical training to farmers.
Low-Cost Irrigation Through Local Innovations
Many farmers now use simple and affordable DIY methods for irrigation, especially in areas with limited money and water.
Here are some popular low-cost solutions:
| Irrigation Method | How It Works | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Bottle Drip System | A plastic bottle with small holes is placed near the plant to release water slowly | Very cheap and saves water |
| Olla Irrigation | A clay pot is buried in the soil and filled with water, which slowly seeps out | Keeps soil moist for a long time |
| DIY Drip System | Simple tubes or household materials replace costly pipes | No heavy investment needed |
| Controlled Water Flow | Water is given only when needed | Reduces waste and runoff |
These methods help small farmers become self-reliant and make farming more sustainable.
Water-Saving Irrigation Techniques
Water-saving irrigation is now essential, especially in regions with limited water.
- Mulching helps retain soil moisture and reduce weeds. It can be organic (like rice husk) or plastic sheets.
- Fertigation mixes fertilizer with irrigation water, delivering nutrients directly to plant roots and reducing waste.
- Smart timers and sensors decide when and how much water is needed, preventing over-watering.
Technology and IoT in Irrigation
Modern irrigation also uses IoT (Internet of Things) technology. Soil-moisture sensors tell farmers when crops need water. This data is sent to mobile apps or smart controllers that automatically switch irrigation systems on or off.
This saves time, water, and energy. Some systems even use weather forecast data to plan irrigation schedules. Many Indian startups are now offering these tools at affordable prices.
Government Support for Irrigation
The Government of India supports irrigation through schemes like PMKSY, which offers 55% to 80% subsidy for micro-irrigation, with extra benefits for SC and ST farmers.
The Soil Health Card Scheme helps farmers understand their soil and use the right amount of water and fertilizer. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) provide training, demonstrations, and technical guidance across the country.
Role of Online Marketplaces in Choosing the Right System
Today, farmers do not just choose a method- they also need good-quality equipment like drip pipes, filters, valves, emitters, sprinkler nozzles, and fertigation units.
Earlier, farmers depended on local shops with limited options. Now, online platforms offer home delivery, basic guides, and reliable products- even in remote rural areas. This makes it easier for farmers to adopt modern irrigation with confidence.
Which Irrigation Method Suits Which Crop?
Every crop has different water needs:
- Wheat and rabi crops – Sprinkler irrigation
- Paddy (rice) – Traditional level basin method
- Vegetables and fruits – Drip irrigation
- Sugarcane – Drip irrigation with fertigation
Vegetables and horticulture crops are very sensitive to water levels. Government guidelines under PMKSY (Per Drop More Crop) also recommend drip irrigation for these crops because it saves water and maintains steady soil moisture.
Conclusion: The Path to Affordable and Sustainable Irrigation
The cheapest irrigation method today is the one that uses less water, keeps production high, and controls farmer costs.
Drip and micro-irrigation systems, local low-cost innovations, modern technology, and government support together are making farming more sustainable. When farmers give priority to water-saving and efficient irrigation, agriculture becomes stronger, smarter, and more profitable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the cheapest and most effective irrigation method?
Drip irrigation is considered the cheapest and most effective because it uses less water and delivers it directly to the roots, increasing both savings and yield.
2. Is drip irrigation only for large farms?
No. Small farmers can also use drip irrigation through micro and DIY systems at low cost.
3. How much water can drip irrigation save?
It can save 50–70% water compared to traditional methods, especially in vegetables and horticulture crops.
4. Which crops are best for sprinkler irrigation?
Sprinklers are suitable for wheat, pulses, oilseeds, and grass where even water distribution is needed.
5. What is micro-irrigation?
Micro-irrigation includes drip and sprinkler systems that provide controlled water to plant roots, improving water-use efficiency and crop growth.
Written by Sanjeev Reddy– Guest Author (CHIEF AGRONOMY OFFICER (CAO) at AgriBegri)