National Mission on Micro Irrigation

The National Mission on Micro Irrigation (NMMI) is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, improving water-use efficiency, and promoting sustainable farming through the widespread adoption of micro-irrigation technologies such as drip and sprinkler systems. Introduced in the early 2010s, the mission reflects India’s strategic shift towards efficient water management in agriculture, recognising the growing challenges of water scarcity, climate variability, and declining groundwater levels.

Background and Evolution

India, with its vast agricultural base, faces chronic water management challenges. Although the country accounts for about 17% of the world’s population, it possesses only 4% of global freshwater resources. Agriculture consumes over 80% of India’s total freshwater, making irrigation efficiency a national priority.
Micro-irrigation—comprising drip irrigation (delivering water directly to plant roots) and sprinkler irrigation (simulating rainfall)—offers a solution to these challenges by reducing water wastage, enhancing crop yield, and conserving soil nutrients.
The institutional development of micro-irrigation policy in India can be traced through several stages:

• 1990s: Initial promotion of micro-irrigation by state governments and agricultural departments.
• 2006: Launch of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Micro Irrigation (CSS-MI) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• 2010: The scheme was reorganised and expanded as the National Mission on Micro Irrigation (NMMI), integrating multiple programmes for improved coordination and efficiency.
• 2014: The NMMI was subsumed under the broader National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
• 2015 onwards: The initiative continued as the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), launched to ensure efficient water use and wider irrigation coverage.

Objectives of the Mission

The core objectives of the National Mission on Micro Irrigation include:

1. Enhancing Water-Use Efficiency: Promoting micro-irrigation systems to achieve the principle of “More Crop per Drop”.
2. Improving Crop Productivity: Providing adequate and uniform water supply to improve crop yield and quality.
3. Reducing Water and Fertiliser Wastage: Minimising evaporation, percolation, and run-off losses.
4. Encouraging Diversification: Supporting the cultivation of high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, and spices.
5. Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Reducing dependence on groundwater extraction and ensuring climate resilience.
6. Empowering Farmers: Increasing farm income through better resource management and reduced input costs.

Components of the Mission

The NMMI operates through multiple coordinated components focusing on planning, technology, and capacity building:
1. Micro-Irrigation Systems:

• Installation of drip and sprinkler systems for different crops and soil types.
• Provision of financial assistance to farmers for purchasing equipment.

2. Capacity Building and Training:

• Conducting awareness programmes and technical training for farmers, technicians, and extension officers.
• Demonstrations of successful micro-irrigation models in different agro-climatic regions.

3. Research and Development (R&D):

• Encouragement of innovation in irrigation technology, automation, and water-efficient devices.
• Collaboration with agricultural universities and research institutions.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Establishing a robust system for project implementation, data collection, and performance review at state and district levels.

5. Financial and Institutional Support:

• Subsidies and assistance shared between the Central and State Governments (commonly in a 60:40 ratio, and 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states).
• Support for public-private partnerships and corporate participation in irrigation infrastructure.

Implementation and Institutional Framework

The mission is implemented through the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. At the state level, State Horticulture or Agriculture Departments serve as nodal agencies, supported by District Implementation Committees.
The Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF), established with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), provides financial resources to expand micro-irrigation coverage. The fund supports states in bridging gaps in subsidy requirements and promoting large-scale adoption.

Achievements and Impact

Since its inception, the National Mission on Micro Irrigation and its subsequent integration into PMKSY have significantly expanded micro-irrigation coverage and improved water productivity.
1. Expansion of Coverage:

• As of recent estimates, over 13 million hectares have been brought under micro-irrigation through various government initiatives.
• States such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat have emerged as leaders in adoption.

2. Water Efficiency:

• Studies show that drip irrigation can save 30–50% of water compared to conventional methods.
• Fertiliser use efficiency has increased by 25–40%, while energy consumption has declined due to reduced pumping needs.

3. Crop Productivity and Income:

• Yields of key crops like sugarcane, cotton, fruits, and vegetables have improved by 20–40%.
• Farmers’ incomes have risen due to higher productivity and lower input costs.

4. Environmental Benefits:

• Reduction in soil erosion and salinity.
• Decreased groundwater depletion in water-stressed areas.
• Mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions through reduced energy and water use.

5. Social Impact:

• Enhanced resilience of small and marginal farmers to droughts and erratic rainfall.
• Promotion of women’s participation and rural employment through horticultural diversification.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite notable achievements, several challenges continue to hinder the full potential of micro-irrigation in India:

• High Initial Cost: Installation costs for drip and sprinkler systems remain prohibitive for small and marginal farmers despite subsidies.
• Maintenance Issues: Lack of technical knowledge and after-sales service often lead to system breakdowns.
• Uneven Regional Adoption: Concentration in southern and western states; limited penetration in eastern and north-eastern regions.
• Financial and Bureaucratic Delays: Slow disbursement of subsidies and complex administrative procedures discourage adoption.
• Awareness Gaps: Many farmers remain unaware of the long-term economic and environmental benefits of micro-irrigation.

Government Reforms and New Initiatives

To address these challenges, the government has undertaken several reforms:

• Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF): Created in 2018–19 with an initial corpus of ₹5,000 crore (later enhanced) under NABARD to encourage states to take up large-scale projects.
• Digital Monitoring: Development of online portals for real-time data tracking and transparent subsidy management.
• Cluster-Based Approach: Promoting micro-irrigation on a watershed or command-area basis for better resource utilisation.
• Integration with Other Missions: Linking with programmes such as the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), and Soil Health Management schemes.

Future Prospects

Given the increasing stress on India’s water resources, micro-irrigation remains vital for sustainable agricultural growth. The government aims to cover at least 28 million hectares under micro-irrigation in the coming years through the PMKSY’s Per Drop More Crop component.
Future directions include:

• Expanding digital and automated irrigation technologies (smart irrigation).
• Promoting micro-irrigation in non-traditional crops such as pulses and cereals.
• Encouraging private sector innovation and custom hiring centres for equipment.
• Integrating micro-irrigation with precision farming and watershed management.