(a) the amount allocated for Drip Irrigation in the country during the last three years;
(b) the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) the provision made for Drip Irrigation in the country during 2003-2004;
(d) the quantum of water saved as a result thereof;
(e) whether there is a proposal to increase allocation for Drip Irrigation; and
(f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a) to (c): With the amalgamation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Development of
Horticulture through Plasticulture Intervention with effect from October 2000 under the
Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Macro Management in Agriculture – Supplementation /
Complementation of State Efforts through Work Plan, separate allocation are not being made by
the Central Government for drip irrigation.
(d): No survey has been conducted to assess the total water saved in the country so far due to
drip irrigation. However, experimental studies conducted by various Precision Farming
Development Centres (PFDC) in the country reveal that there is saving of water ranging from 5
to 60 percent depending upon the crops under drip irrigation.
(e) & (f): Under the Macro Management Scheme the State Government have been given the
freedom to take up programmes as per their felt needs and requirement through the Work Plan.
Hence, the allocation for drip irrigation are made by the State Government depending upon their
priority.