Impact of drip irrigation technology on input use and productivity of banana crop in Gujarat

Improving water-use efficiency is important for intensifying and diversifying agriculture. Micro-irrigation has been recognized as one of the important strategies for doubling the farmers’ income. The impact of drip method of irrigation (DMI) amongst the farmers of middle Gujarat particularly in banana which is a water-loving plant reflected in terms of resources saving, improved productivity and profitability, thus, improved their livelihood. The research was conducted in Anand and Vadodara districts by collecting data from 120 drip farms and 120 non-drip farms of bananas in 2018–19. Drip irrigation method had a significant impact on saving of inputs, i.e. labour (19.99%), water (31.11%), growth regulators (22.72%), plant protection chemicals (22.30%), fertilizers (13.23%) and manures (7.78%). The yield and net profit were found significantly higher, on drip farms over conventionally irrigated farms.