What are the major challenges faced by Indian irrigation system in recent times? State the measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management.

The Indian irrigation system, vital for agricultural sustenance and food security, faces multifaceted challenges in recent times despite significant expansion. Efficient management is crucial for sustainable water use and enhancing farm productivity.

Key Dimensions of Indian Irrigation System Challenges

→ Water Scarcity → Inefficient Use → Aging Infrastructure → Governance Gaps → Climate Impacts

Major Challenges Faced by Indian Irrigation System

1. Groundwater Depletion and Over-extraction: India is the world's largest groundwater user, with over 60% of irrigation relying on it. This has led to severe depletion, especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, as highlighted by NITI Aayog's Composite Water Management Index.
2. Inefficient Water Use: Traditional flood irrigation methods result in low water use efficiency, often as low as 30-40% for surface water and 50-60% for groundwater. This wastage is exacerbated by cultivation of water-intensive crops in unsuitable regions.
3. Aging Infrastructure and Poor Maintenance: A significant portion of canal networks and other irrigation infrastructure is old, leading to considerable water loss through seepage and evaporation. Lack of regular maintenance further reduces their efficiency and reliability.
4. Fragmented Management and Governance: Irrigation management is often fragmented across multiple agencies, leading to poor coordination, lack of integrated planning, and unresolved inter-state water disputes. Farmer participation in water management is also limited.
5. Climate Change Impacts: Erratic monsoon patterns, increased frequency of droughts and floods, and glacier melt affect water availability and predictability, posing significant risks to rain-fed and irrigated agriculture alike.
6. Waterlogging and Salinity: In some command areas, excessive irrigation without proper drainage has led to waterlogging and soil salinity, reducing agricultural productivity and rendering land infertile.

Measures Taken by the Government for Efficient Irrigation Management

1. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Launched in 2015, PMKSY aims for "Har Khet Ko Pani" (water to every field) and "More Crop Per Drop". It focuses on micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler), water harvesting structures, and efficient water conveyance.
2. Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): A time-bound, mission-mode campaign for water conservation and water security. It promotes rainwater harvesting, rejuvenation of traditional water bodies, and intensive afforestation.
3. Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY): Implemented in water-stressed areas, ABHY promotes community-led sustainable groundwater management through participatory demand-side management.
4. Micro-Irrigation Fund (MIF) under NABARD: Established with a corpus of ₹5,000 crore, the MIF provides financial assistance to states for promoting micro-irrigation technologies to enhance water use efficiency.
5. Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) Programme: This program focuses on improving the physical infrastructure and management of existing irrigation systems, including modernization of canals and field channels.
6. National Water Policy (2012): Emphasizes integrated water resource management, prioritizing drinking water, followed by irrigation, and promoting participatory approaches.

Conclusion

Addressing the challenges in India's irrigation system requires a holistic approach combining technological advancements, robust infrastructure development, community participation, and integrated water resource management. Sustained government efforts, coupled with farmer adoption of efficient practices, are crucial for ensuring water security and agricultural resilience.