Experiences of Farmers about Drip Irrigation in Gujarat – A Survey

In present study, two surveys were conducted i.e., one was related to advantages of drip irrigation method realized by the farmers (n=150) vis-a-vis conventional method of irrigation, and another was with special reference to the problems encountered by the banana growers (n=89) who have adopted drip system. In both the surveys, standard questionnaires were formulated and farmers were interviewed personally. The information, thus obtained, was tabulated and interpreted. In general, farmers opined that they could save water above 25 per cent, weed control expenses by 51 to 75 per cent and labour charges to the extent of 26 to 50 per cent along with increase in the crop yields. The results of crop specific survey revealed that the major problems faced by banana growers with drip method of irrigation were unassured power supply, inadequate availability of quality planting material, and variable prices of banana. The farmers were of the opinion that though higher fruit yield of banana with drip method was obtained in comparison to surface method, there is further scope to increase the fruit yield of banana.