Drip irrigation technology in Karnataka, India

Abstract

This study assesses whether the practice of drip irrigation in Karnataka reduced the usage of groundwater. It finds that while drip irrigation does reduce the quantity of groundwater used per acre, the quantity of the groundwater used per farm does not fall concomitantly, because the irrigation intensity of drip irrigation is greater. Therefore, limiting the area under drip irrigation would make the adoption of the technology sustainable and address food security, and the government should complement the practice of drip irrigation. There is no rebound effect or instance of the Jevons paradox.

Impact of micro irrigation on groundwater savings, productivity, and profitability of principal crops in the eastern dry zone and central dry zone of Karnataka: A resource economic analysis

“…In microirrigation, the quantity of water required is delivered continuously to each plant at its root zone through micro-tubes, avoiding water stress and ensuring the availability of water where it is most needed (Nagaraj 2020). The precision makes micro-irrigation more efficient than flow irrigation; it also reduces the water loss through evaporation and run-off (Kabbur et al 2020).…”