Patna: Bihar is making significant strides towards water conservation and agricultural efficiency with the successful implementation of the Prime Minister’s Agricultural Irrigation Scheme (Micro Irrigation). The state, with substantial support from the central government, is providing generous subsidies to farmers for adopting modern irrigation technologies, including drip and sprinkler systems. The move aims to revolutionize farming in Bihar by improving water usage, boosting productivity, and reducing costs.
Key Features of the Scheme
Subsidies for Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation: Farmers can receive up to 90% subsidy for drip irrigation and 75% subsidy for sprinkler irrigation, making these advanced irrigation systems more accessible for all categories of farmers. The state government further enhances these subsidies, providing an additional financial boost to farmers.
Savings on Fertilizers and Water: By adopting micro-irrigation systems, farmers are achieving significant savings. Fertilizer use is reduced by 25 to 30%, which helps cut costs and improve the efficiency of input use. Moreover, water consumption is reduced by 60% compared to traditional irrigation methods, contributing to sustainable farming practices.
Improved Crop Productivity: The irrigation technologies implemented under the scheme are not just about saving resources—they are also improving crop yields. Farmers who have adopted drip and sprinkler systems have reported a 40 to 50% increase in crop productivity. The technology also helps reduce weed growth by 60 to 70%, leading to healthier crops and higher-quality produce.
Focus on Water Conservation
Micro-irrigation, including drip, sprinkler, and raingun irrigation, is designed to deliver water directly to the roots of plants at short intervals through specially designed plastic pipes. This system ensures that water is used efficiently, preventing waste and promoting sustainability in agriculture. The state’s goal is to expand this technology’s reach and cover at least 2% of the total irrigated area in Bihar by 2022, up from the current 0.5%.
Access for All Farmers
One of the most significant aspects of the scheme is its inclusivity. It provides subsidies to all categories of farmers, from small and marginal farmers to large-scale agricultural producers. The subsidies are scaled according to farm size:
Drip Irrigation:
- Small and Marginal Farmers: 80% subsidy
- Large Farmers: 70% subsidy
Sprinkler Irrigation:
- Small and Marginal Farmers: 55% subsidy
Large Farmers: 45% subsidy
This approach ensures that both small and large farmers benefit from the scheme, enabling them to adopt modern irrigation technologies and improve agricultural productivity.
A Plan for Long-Term Agricultural Sustainability
The scheme is part of Bihar’s Agriculture Road Map 2017-2022, which aims to increase the adoption of advanced irrigation systems across the state. With the Prime Minister’s Agricultural Irrigation Scheme, farmers can now grow crops more efficiently, manage their water resources better, and help protect the environment while increasing productivity.
Additional Benefit for Farmers
Even farmers who have already benefited from the Prime Minister’s Agricultural Irrigation Scheme can apply again for further assistance. This ensures that the adoption of modern irrigation systems is not just a one-time benefit but an ongoing process to improve farming practices year after year.
Conclusion
By embracing the Prime Minister’s Agricultural Irrigation Scheme, Bihar is laying the foundation for a more sustainable, productive, and efficient agricultural future. The combination of generous subsidies, water conservation, and improved crop yields promises to significantly benefit Bihar’s farmers and the state’s agricultural sector as a whole.
