Water is the most precious resource and is the principal constituent of all the living organisms. India invested in water resource development after its independence as no other country had done. But the emphasis remained on the creation of infrastructure and little importance was given on its efficient management particularly in agriculture. With increasing demand on water from different sectors need of enhancing its productivity grew with time. Micro-irrigation systems started getting more and more acceptability particularly in horticultural crops. Sustained efforts from Government, micro-irrigation industry and continued support from research community steadily increased adoption of micro-irrigation in the country. The article presents a brief account of these initiatives, present status of micro-irrigation in the country as well as potential and prospects of micro-irrigation in non horticultural crops.
Micro-irrigation, Non horticultural crops, Water productivity
