AP Government to Distribute Micro-Irrigation Equipments from Oct 1

Andhra Pradesh's Agriculture Minister, K. Kannababu has said that the government would start the distribution of micro-Irrigation equipment to farmers from October 1. 

He made this statement during a review meeting with horticulture and agriculture officials on Thursday. Mr. Kannababu said that preference will be given to farmers:

• who did not cultivate paddy under borewell and

• who had not received such benefits in the past.

According to a report by The Hindu, the Minister also said that the government has spent around 83,000 crore rupees on the farmers even during the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore he made a detailed review of the registration, control, and development of nurseries and also reviewed the centrally sponsored schemes which are being implemented by the Horticulture Department.

Mr. Kannababu also asked the officials to lay plans for extending infrastructure facilities to the horticulture staff working in districts, the report by The Hindu said. He also instructed the officials to provide training to the newly appointed horticulture assistants.

Micro-Irrigation: A Modern Solution for Farmers

Krishi Jagran has stressed the importance of micro-irrigation in a recent article. It not only helps save water but also increases the water use efficiency. There are several pieces of equipment involved in micro-irrigation. These include drippers, sprinklers, and foggers. Micro-irrigation is capable of increasing yields at lesser water, fertilizer, and labour requirements. It can even bring uncultivable land under cultivation.

The government of India had initiated micro-irrigation in the year 1992 and in 2006, it recognised it as a thrust area. National Mission on Micro Irrigation (NMMI) and National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) were launched with a mission to promote micro-irrigation systems in the country road.

Overall, the importance of micro-irrigation for Indian agriculture cannot be neglected. However, its wide usage can only be made possible with demonstration, training, and awareness programmes. The initiative by Andhra Pradesh government is a positive step in this direction.