Impacts of micro-irrigation technologies in Maharashtra: A review

Micro-irrigation technologies have been an integral part of modern agriculture. Ranging from ‘increased crop yield’ to ‘improved economic benefit,’ such systems have much to offer. However, costly installation procedures and high socioeconomic barriers restrict their diffusion with relatively cheap alternatives. Appropriate policies and innovative approaches enable crossing these barriers only if carefully crafted to meet economic, technological and socio-economic challenges. This review offers an overview of significant strategic policies and new-generation micro-irrigation technologies that would help tap their full potential. Based on previous studies and individual experiences from India, an assessment of the transformative impacts of micro-irrigation has been done. These microirrigation technologies are proving highly beneficial for Maharashtra. The main gains that accrued to farmers from the process include reduced costs of cultivation, lesser dependence on chemicals and pesticides, conservation of water resourcesand less expenditure on labor. The above results manifest the contribution or role of micro-irrigation to accelerate sustainable agriculture, which induces a second green revolution imbued with higher productivity, efficiency in resource mobilization and economic prosperity.