Performance Of Irrigation Systems Research Articles

Empowerment of farmers through participatory irrigation management in Bihar, India

AbstractPoorly performing irrigation schemes in India require technical, managerial and institutional support on an urgent basis. In recent years, participatory irrigation management (PIM) has gained momentum as a strategy to improve the performance of irrigation systems, increase water use efficiency and promote equitable water distribution. This approach involves the active involvement of farmers and other stakeholders in the planning, implementation and management of irrigation systems. The state of Bihar has primarily an agrarian economy and irrigation is essential for agricultural production. However, Bihar's irrigation potential is being underutilized due to improper management of irrigation systems. In Bihar, the experiment of PIM in the Paliganj distributary of the Sone irrigation scheme was attempted as a local initiative by WALMI Patna, which was funded by USAID, and, thus, the need for an overall state policy and strategic plan was realized. Therefore, PIM has been implemented through the formation of water users' associations (WUAs) and farmers’ organizations (FOs) at different levels under the Bihar Irrigation Act of 1997, and Bihar Irrigation, Flood Management and Drainage Rules, 2003. The Bihar model of PIM is based on the macro‐to‐micro approach because of its geographical conditions and the size of the schemes in the state. This paper examines the implementation of PIM in Bihar and its impacts on farmers.

Pathways and technologies for modern irrigation services: Iran country paper

AbstractI.R. Iran, with 8.8 million ha of irrigated area, is fifth in the world with respect to irrigated land. Scarcity of water resources and great difficulty with water accessibility have brought about initiatives of technology building, as well as approaches to agricultural water management by local communities. During recent decades a huge public budget has been invested in order to improve irrigation services. Improving performance of irrigation systems needs proper diagnosis of the problems and a systematic approach towards modernization. Also having been recently developed and modernized, adjustment of the laws and regulations of the water sector has caused management frameworks of irrigation networks to be gradually improved. In general, in addition to the management framework, equipping with modern tools for measuring water flow and applying tools such as geographic information systems and databases have led to the improvement of water distribution and management. Technical, managerial and policies programmes, as well as investment in water resources and irrigation infrastructures in addition to training and education of farmers and field engineers in water saving in agriculture and enhancing water productivity, resulted in positive impacts on better management of limited fresh water in irrigation.

Evaluation of the drought resilience of indigenous irrigation water systems: a case study of dry zone Sri Lanka

The wave of modernization and globalization in the last century has rapidly involved a technological paradigm shift from indigenous irrigation water systems to modern systems in arid regions. Despite interest in the drought resilience of indigenous water systems, the impact of this paradigm shift on drought resilience remains poorly understood because previous studies have focused on fixed irrigation water systems. To fill this gap, we investigated the drought resilience of an indigenous and modern irrigation water system that coexists in the drought-prone Mahaweli H region of the Sri Lankan dry zone. To explain drought resilience, we quantified the historical irrigation system performance (1985–2021) of both water systems using the water duty indicator (i.e., the volume of water required to cultivate a unit land area). The statistical Pettitt test was used to detect significant change points in the time series of water duty, and we divided the time line into few periods based on the change points. Furthermore, a quantitative trend analysis of several socio-hydrological variables and a qualitative analysis of their socio-hydrological backgrounds with triggers of water duty were conducted to explain drought resilience path dependency in modern and indigenous water systems. The results indicated a higher drought resilience is embedded in the indigenous system as the mean water duty increment in drought years compared to non-drought years is 16.4% for the indigenous system and 58.3% for the modern system. In addition, drought resilience pathways that elucidated by water duty change points also demonstrated that indigenous water system features a higher drought resilience compared to the modern water system. The findings of this comparative study can contribute to the design of drought resilience improvement strategies in arid region irrigation water systems in a more comprehensive manner.

EVALUASI KINERJA SISTEM IRIGASI (Studi Kasus Pada Daerah Irigasi Manganti Kabupaten Ciamis dan Kabupaten Cilacap)

Evaluation of the performance of an irrigation system is needed to determine the value of all supporting components of the irrigation system which then becomes a reference for improvement. The evaluation of irrigation system performance refers to PUPR Minister Regulation No. 12/PRT/M/2015 concerning Operation and Maintenance of Irrigation Network combined with Subak irrigation network system. Manganti Irrigation Area has an area of 26,153.00 Ha. There is a problem of less than optimal performance of the irrigation system of the Manganti Irrigation Area in 2022. This study aims to evaluate the performance of the D.I Manganti irrigation system. In this study, a qualitative descriptive method was used, by collecting primary data using a structured form of maintenance based on evaluating the performance of the irrigation system by means of manual calculations using Microsoft Excel. The results of the analysis of the value of the irrigation system performance index have a value weight of 73.88% according to regulatory standards with a range of values of 70-79 including in the category of good performance, therefore it still needs maintenance, routine maintenance and periodic maintenance to avoid a decrease in the value of the irrigation system performance index, this can affect the condition and function of the D.I Manganti irrigation system.

Performance Evaluation of a Drip Irrigation System inside the Automated Greenhouse in Huye Ecological Condition

This research, titled Performance Evaluation of a Drip Irrigation System inside the Automated Greenhouse in Huye ecological Condition, was carried out in the Research Center of Integrated Polytechnic Regional College (IPRC)-Huye Campus, which is located in the Ngoma Sector of Huye District of Rwanda, in 2023. The study has mentioned the specific objectives of determining the average emitter discharge of the irrigation system, evaluating Christiansen Coefficient Uniformity (CU), and evaluating the distribution uniformity (DU) of the system. The research design was a randomized complete block design with four replications. The experiment was conducted on 24 laterals and 288 drippers installed in the greenhouse. Each lateral had an equal distance of 36.5m and carried 94 total drippers. Data analysis of variance (ANOVA) and LSD for means were used as statistical tools in MINITAB software version 17. The confidence interval was 95%. The obtained results indicated an average discharge (q) of 3.98 L/h in the drip irrigation system, coefficient uniformity (CU) of 99.96%, and distribution uniformity (DU) of 57.72%. The research concludes that the performance of irrigation systems is excellent for water application. However, the way water is distributed in all systems is poor. In addition, the drip irrigation system may reach an adequate level of performance when it works in a shifty manner.

Effect of treated wastewater irrigation on ornamental plants: Case study of Lantana and Hibiscus, Morocco

AbstractIn water stressed countries such as Morocco, the use of treated wastewater represents a strategic perspective for sustainable agricultural development. However, technological and management innovations are needed to make it feasible and effective. The main objective of this work is to evaluate the effect of irrigation with treated wastewater compared with fresh water on the growth of two ornamental plants: Rosa Sinensis hibiscus and Lantana Camara. The study also aimed to examine the impact of treated wastewater on the hydraulic performance of different irrigation systems. To carry out this study, irrigation was applied by two irrigation systems: subsurface drip irrigation and surface drip irrigation. Also, two sources of water were compared: treated wastewater from the WWTP of M'zar (tertiary treatment) and well water, each for a duration of 2 months. The results obtained showed that the treated wastewater generally promoted a better development of agronomic parameters such as height, number of branches, leaves, and flowers for both plants. The same observation was also made regarding the esthetical parameter. For the irrigation system effect, the results obtained showed a better development under the subsurface drip irrigation system; thus, the combination of treated wastewater and subsurface drip irrigation provided the best results for both plants. Regarding the hydraulic performance of the irrigation system, no risk of clogging of the distributors was observed in relation to the water quality; the uniformity coefficient and distribution uniformity remained above 90%. It can therefore be deduced that the use of treated wastewater for irrigation of green spaces should be at the heart of water resource mobilization policies. in fact, it represents an excellent alternative for promoting national water management strategies.

Improving Hydraulic Performance of Drip Irrigation Emitters Through CFD Analysis

A drip irrigation system delicately nourishes plant roots by gently delivering water drop by drop, ensuring minimal water loss due to runoff or evaporation. This method allows soil particles ample time to absorb and retain the water, promoting optimal plant hydration. To enhance the efficiency of drip irrigation, a mesmerizingly detailed 3D solid model of a drip emitter was meticulously crafted using cutting-edge SolidWorks software, revolutionizing the irrigation system's performance. CFD simulation technique is used to understanding the internal flow behavior and optimum pressure inside the in -line drip irrigation emitters. Their labyrinth structures of channels are main cause of change in flow behavior and optimum pressure in the drip irrigation emitters. Standard k-ɛ model and Enhanced wall function are used to simulate the flow behavior in labyrinth channels. Key findings are the efficiency of triangular channel is greater than the other channels (rectangular, trapezoidal and circular) based on analysis of flow rate. The value of Discharge coefficient of these channels from CFD simulation present a relationship of kCircular>kTrapezoidal>kRectangular>kTriangular. When the channel shape is smooth (like a circular channel) than the higher value of k. The efficiency of triangular channel is greater than the other channels (rectangular, trapezoidal and circular) based on analysis of flow rate. Discharge is increased by 76%, 68.42%,66.67% and 39.39% for circular channel, Trapezoidal channel, rectangular channel and Triangular Channel respectively for pressure range of 1.02m of water head to 10.2m of water head.

Performance of a Drip Irrigation System under the Co-Application of Water, Fertilizer, and Air

The co-application of water, fertilizer, and air is a new water-saving irrigation method based on drip irrigation technology, which can effectively alleviate the phenomenon of soil rhizosphere hypoxia, improve water and fertilizer utilization efficiency, and inhibit the clogging of irrigation equipment in drip irrigation systems. The performance of drip irrigation systems is one of the important factors affecting the effectiveness of the co-application of water, fertilizer, and air. However, the impact of factors such as the aeration method, fertilization device, and working parameters on the performance of drip irrigation systems for the co-application of water, fertilizer, and air is still unclear. Therefore, based on two typical aeration methods, i.e., micro-nano and Venturi aeration, the performance of a drip irrigation system under the co-application of water, fertilizer, and air was studied by comparing and analyzing the effects of different aeration methods, working pressures of the drip irrigation system, and the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of fertilizer irrigation on the spatial distribution uniformity of water, fertilizer, and air in the drip irrigation pipeline network. The results showed that the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of fertilization irrigation had no significant impact on system performance, while the working pressure significantly affected system performance. Compared with the effective effect of Venturi aeration on system performance, micro-nano aeration can significantly affect drip irrigation system performance and effectively improve drip irrigation system performance. The micro-nano-aerated drip irrigation system with the co-application of water, fertilizer, and air under a working pressure of 0.1 MPa has better system performance. The research results are of great significance for revealing the mechanism underlying the impact of the co-application of water, fertilizer, and air on the performance of drip irrigation systems and constructing efficient drip irrigation technology for the co-application of water, fertilizer, and air.

Performance Index Model of Main Structure (CASE STUDY IN IPDMIP)

Purpose: This research intends to build a performance index model of main stucture by case study in IPDMIP. Theoretical reference: It is important to evaluate the percentage weights of 6 (six) variables in the Irrigation System Performance Index (ISPI) assessment so that irrigation managers get assessment results close to actual conditions in the field, improving the quality of irrigation system management. Method: The methodology or the main structure model in this study was analyzed by using SEM-PLS software and GRG analysis. The selection of a research location in the Central Authority Irrigation Area was by considering the same data availability as previous research. In this research, the author used the Smart-PLS (Partial Least Square) application to analyze and reduce variables, which were then analyzed again using the GRG (Generalized Reduced Gradient) method to calculate non-linear equations. Result and Conclusion: The result shows that in this equation, there is only 1 (one) variable, 3 (three) dimensions, and 13 (thirteen) indicators analyzed. After analyzing with SEM PLS, followed by GRG (Generalized Reduced Gradient) analysis with the solver in Microsoft Excel, changes in variable weights occur, so the new model equation for the main structure performance index (Y) is 0.348, with structure body dimensions of + 0.492 and door & gear to operate of +0.160. Mud Bags and drain doors apply to the Central Authority. Implication of research: Based on the results of previous research, where the assessment weight of the variable of the main irrigation network (with a weight of 0.744) is greater than the tertiary irrigation network (with a weight of 0.256). Originality/ value: the role of the main irrigation network is more dominant in channeling water from the intake to the tertiary irrigation network. However, previous research has not been completed since the main structure still has a level below it and has not been included in the scope of previous research.

Analysis of the Performance of Drip Irrigation System for Okra Production Using Wastewater at Zagyuri in Sagnerigu Municipal in the Northern Region of Ghana

In this study, a field evaluation was performed for the drip irrigation system. The results indicate that the average Christiansen's coefficient of uniformity (CU) for the drip up-stream of the plot system had a coefficient of uniformity (CU) value of 97.0% while the drip mid-stream was next with 96.0% and the least was the drip down-stream of 76.0% of (CU). Hence, the systems performed well. The average soil infiltration rate observed was 160.25 mm/ h. The crop water productivity of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) grown under drip irrigation was determined as 22.31 kg/m3 for the mid-stream, followed by 21.98 kg/m3 for the up-stream and down-stream was the least of 16.48 kg/m3.

Penilaian Indeks Kinerja Sistem Irigasi (Studi Kasus Daerah Irigasi Cirompang Kabupaten Garut Jawa Barat)

Irrigation is an effort to provide, regulate and distribute irrigation water. The Cirompang Irrigation Area is located in Bungbulang District, Garut Regency, West Java Province, with a functional area of 847 Ha, covering the service area of 4 (four) villages, namely Cihikeu Village, Bungbulang Village, Margalaksana Village and Hanjuang Village, Bungbulang District. The location of the Cirompang Irrigation Area Weir is in the village of Cintarasa, Samarang sub-district. The availability of water in the upstream, downstream and main network areas during the planting season I to planting season III is felt to be sufficient but in the middle areas the availability of water is reduced or it can be said to be non-existent due to reduced water potential and there are damaged irrigation networks and accumulation of sedimentation which results in obstruction of water flow. The Cirompang secondary canal experienced moderate to moderate damage, there was accumulation of mud or sedimentation which affected the flow of water and besides that there was also a lack of personal O&M officers in the field such as irrigation officers, weir operation officers, water gate officers and workers who have so far relied on participation. water user farmers (P3A/GP3A). The research method was carried out by direct observation in the field, interviews and secondary data analysis. Calculation of the real need for operation and maintenance is needed to determine the O&M funding and priority recommendations proposed to increase the value of irrigation system performance appraisal (IKSI). The results of the IKSI assessment for the Cirompang irrigation area, the combined index value is in the bad criteria, namely with a weight value of 48.14%, meaning that the irrigation network requires rehabilitation of the irrigation system and needs immediate treatment. 117,626,150.00 In addition, O&M financing in Cirompang for the last 3 years is still far from ideal conditions, namely an average of only 10% of AKNOP. Efforts to increase the water discharge, it is suggested for the Public Works and Spatial Planning Office of Garut Regency is to increase the budget allocation, empower the participation of water-using farmers and rehabilitate irrigation networks.

Effect and Mechanism of Micro-Nano Aeration Treatment on a Drip Irrigation Emitter Based on Groundwater

The problem of emitter clogging has become the main obstacle restricting the application and promotion of drip irrigation technology. Studying the process of emitter clogging helps improve irrigation efficiency and save water resources. A large number of researchers have tried to solve the problem of emitter clogging from many perspectives. However, the influence of micro-nano bubbles as well as generated blockage on the clogging process of drip irrigation systems is less studied. Here, the influence of aeration on emitter clogging was studied by adding micro-nano bubbles to groundwater. Four different emitters were selected. Two treatments, micro-nano aeration and non-aeration, were set up, with a total of eight sets of experiments, running for 1500 h. The degree of emitter clogging was quantitatively characterized using the discharge ratio variation (Dra). The Christiansen uniformity coefficient (Cu) and statistical uniformity coefficient (Us) were used to evaluate the influence of emitter clogging on the performance of the drip irrigation system. Compared with the non-aeration treatment group, the Dra of aerated E1–E4 decreased by 64.74%, 54.22%, 64.20%, and 94.69% in 800 h, respectively. At the same time, the Us of the aerated E1–E4 decreased by 100%, 60.05%, 92.32%, and 100%, while the Cu of aerated E1–E4 decreased by 76.64%, 53.79%, 74.11%, and 100% compared with the unaerated group. The Cu and Us of all emitters under the aeration treatment were smaller than those comparison group. As for the blockage, the main components were typical physical blockage SiO2 and chemical blockage CaCO3. Most of the blockages in the non-aeration treatment group are 5–10 μm in length, while those in the aerated treatment group were generally less than 5 μm. Aeration treatment made the blockage more broken and dense and more likely to accumulate in the flow channel, obstructing the flow of water and thus intensifying the clogging process. As a result, micro-nano aeration treatment increased the risk of emitter clogging, accelerated the development of blockage in the emitter, and disturbed the uniformity of the entire drip irrigation system. This study provides a reference idea for solving the problem of blockage in drip irrigation systems.

Does organizational support affect the governance performance of the farm irrigation system? Evidence from the Yellow River basin in China

AbstractThe engagement of farmers in the governance of farm irrigation systems is crucial for meeting irrigation demands and enhancing farm productivity. Theoretically, grassroots organizations' concerns and support for farmers will encourage them to participate in the activities of the organization, thus improving the management performance of the irrigation system. This paper examines the influence of organizational aid on the governance of agricultural irrigation systems using field survey data in the Yellow River basin, China. The seemingly unrelated regression model is used to explore the group disparities under distinct organizational circumstances and farm household characteristics. The study demonstrates that the software and hardware support provided by organizations can promote improved management performance of irrigation systems. In addition, considering the heterogeneity of organizational environments, such support is more conducive to enhancing the governance of systems in organizations with more cooperative atmospheres and higher degrees of fairness. From the perspective of the heterogeneity of system users, providing organizational support to growers with a low degree of nonagricultural transformation and labour shortage is more conducive to improving governance performance. Consequently, establishing an excellent organizational atmosphere and targeting organizational support to farmers is a viable means to optimize the governance of irrigation systems.

Evaluating Main Canal and Barrage Performance in Pakistan through Water Security Metrics

The present study provides an in-depth investigation into water security using socio-hydrological analysis by investigating the relationship between irrigation entitlements and actual water delivery. Conjoint analysis is used to evaluate the reliability and equity of the system by applying quantitative definitions and metrics. This study examines 10 years of daily average canal flow data collected from the Sindh canal command regions of the Lower Indus Basin Irrigation System in Pakistan. This research was carried out at both the canal and the barrage network levels, with socio-hydrological metrics being used across both temporal and spatial scales. Furthermore, an in-depth study of the LIB system’s fourteen main canals operating across three barrages was carried out. This research focuses on the transition from historical volumetric allocations to the objective of enhancing irrigation efficiency and agricultural yields in order to provide improved water and food security. The investigation underscores the enduring presence of stagnation and volatility in the overall equity and reliability of the system. The analysis reveals that the median reliability of the canals in Sindh was 47–100% in the summer and 65–85% in the winter season. Additionally, the irrigation system equity was worse in the winter and summer, at around 55–75%. This research examines the possibilities of using a socio-hydrological strategy to effectively improve the performance of canal irrigation systems and promote water security.

Experimental study on clogging of three different types of emitters with similar properties

AbstractThe drip irrigation process has been designed to reduce water losses, and to combine irrigation, with the supply of fertilizers. However, in drip irrigation systems, the clogging of emitters is a major problem that significantly reduces the performance of drip irrigation systems. The water used in these systems is generally loaded with suspended matter, which might cause clogging of the emitters. This work was carried out in order to evaluate the clogging rate in three different types of emitters with roughly similar flow rates, tested in an experimental drip irrigation system, using water pumped from the Sebou River. Thus, a compensating‐pressure emitter named E1 and two non‐compensating‐pressure emitters named E2 and E3 were tested. Each dripper was subjected to 112 irrigations, which lasted 397 h and were spread over a period of 2 months. To evaluate the hydraulic performance of the emitters, the following three coefficients were used to measure the effect of clogging: (i) the variation of the flow ratio (Dra), which reflects the degree of clogging; (ii) the emission uniformity coefficient (EU); and (iii) the Christiansen uniformity coefficient (CU). No emitters became completely clogged during the experiment. However, as the clogging rate increased, the average flow rates measured in some emitters at the end of the test had decreased by 89% compared to the initial flow rates. During the experiment, flow fluctuations were observed during the evolution of the clogging, which could come from a partial recovery of flow.

The importance of water depth distribution maps in the sprinkler irrigation system performance assessment

Abstract The assessment of sprinkler system performance is crucial in ensuring the efficient use of water resources. The commonly used indicators of the uniformity of water distribution in sprinkler systems are Christiansen's uniformity (CU) and distribution uniformity (DU) coefficients. A more comprehensive analysis of water distribution is essential in situations where the reliability of these coefficients as indicators of water distribution patterns is limited. In the present research, distribution maps of water depth were prepared from water application profiles using catch cans experiments that were carried out in the research farm of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Faculty of the University of Tehran, which is located in Alborz province. In this way, water application profile data were obtained at different operating pressures (200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 kPa). By using this data, 2D and 3D distribution maps of water depth were created due to the overlapping of sprinklers in different arrangements, spacing, and pressures. In addition, CU and DU coefficients in square, rectangular, and triangular arrangements with different spacing and pressures from 200 to 400 kPa. A total of 11,250 different simulations were calculated and analyzed. Distribution maps of water depth contribute to advancing the understanding of sprinkler irrigation system performance and aid in the optimization of water management practices.

Assessment of water quality ions in brackish water on drip irrigation system performance applied in saline areas

Utilizing brackish water with drip irrigation technology, due to its precise water control alleviates the secondary soil salinization, and improves crop yield and quality, which offers sustainable agricultural development opportunities in saline areas. However, the complex characteristics of brackish water increase the risk of drip irrigation emitter clogging, which inhibit its promotion and adoption. It is necessary to find out the dominant water quality ions that lead to emitter clogging under multiple ion interactions when using brackish water under multiple ion coexistence conditions. Thus, the in-situ pilot research was conducted to study the emitter clogging mechanism using brackish water collected from 16 different salt-alkaline regions. A comprehensive evaluation with the consideration of 11 water quality ions on emitter clogging were conducted. Results showed that the degree of emitter clogging gradually increased in the first 40 days of irrigation, hereafter started an accelerated reduction until the days 64 of brackish water application. Spearman correlation and structural equation modelling were used to identify the main factors contribute to emitter clogging. And results indicated that calcium fouling (CF) and silica fouling (SF) were the major fouling minerals in the emitter flow channels. Ca2+, CO32-+HCO3-, pH, total hardness (TH), and zeta potential (ZP) were the key water characteristics leading to emitter clogging. These factors directly affected CF and SF, while also affecting the Mg2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, and other water quality factors which indirectly enhanced the CF and SF. Thereafter a few water quality control strategies were proposed based on emitter clogging and soil salinization mitigation. This study identified the key water quality ions that induce drip irrigation emitter clogging when using brackish water, provided solid support for solving the clogging issue, and promoted the high-efficient utilization of brackish water in saline areas.

Analisis Kinerja Bendung Berdasarkan Aspek dan Fungsi Struktur Bangunan

This study aims to obtain: (1) the weight of the Batu Bassi Weir component which can be obtained as an indicator of the performance of the weir based on the condition and function of the building., (2) Analyzing the performance of the Batu Bassi Weir based on the condition and function of the building.This study took place at Batu Bassi Dam, located in Jene Taesa Village, Simbang District, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi Province. The data collection technique was carried out by direct observation in the field which then processed the data. From the results of data processing, the condition and function of the Bassi Weir were analyzed and interpreted. Data Analysis Using the ePAKSI Application Method (electronic Asset Management and Irrigation System Performance)..Results Analysis of the analyzed data by weighting using the Epaksi application to determine the relationship between the components of the dam performance. As for the results, the weighting is carried out using the Epaksi application to determine the relationship between the components of the performance of the weir. The results of the weighting of the dam performance components are as follows: 74% crest weight, 42% weir wing weight, 73% weir floor (dwelling pool), 70% embankment, 70% service bridge, 30% operating board, 70% ruler, safety fence 70%, 82% Drain Door, and 82% Intake Door. The condition of the Batu Bassi Weir Performance component is that the components in the Bassi Stone Weir are damaged by 25.08% and the condition of the weir is moderately damaged. The function of the component performance on the Bassi Stone Weir is 74.92% and requires extensive (quite large) maintenance.

Scaling up the Performance of Irrigation Systems by Capitalising the Symbiotic Buffering Role of Tank and Groundwater Sources - An Economic Analysis in Kancheepuram District of Tamil Nadu

Irrigation is necessary for sustaining production in agriculture and plays a key role in food security. A multitude of water sources, including surface (reservoirs, canals, tanks and check dams) and underground (groundwater by open wells and tubewells,); provide the water needed to irrigate the cropped area. Both groundwater sources and tank sources can act as buffers by their complementary and supplemental roles in water supply, and thus can serve as investments in yielding profitable returns for the farmers. Although being widespread in India and mainly concentrated in the southern states, tank irrigation has been declining in area and number over the years as their maintenance were neglected due to a shift of pattern in socio-economic and environmental factors. As a result, the increasing dependence on groundwater sources has consequently strained due to overexploitation. In changing climate scenarios, this poses significant challenges to the conservation of these valuable public goods. This work therefore seeks to study the efficiency of groundwater (tubewell source) while complementing surface source (tank irrigation) by evaluating the costs and enumerating the factors determining the income of the sample farmers. The Uthiramerur Tank Command area located in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu was selected as the study area and a sample size of 120 respondents were interviewed for this research study. It was found that the cost of irrigating groundwater had decreased for the farmers who were closer to the tank command area whereas the HP capacity of the tubewells had increased with a consequent hike in the cost with increasing distance from the tank command area. This implied that farmers who were away from the tank command area deprived from the tank’s buffering complementary role and had to depend only on groundwater sources. The results also showed that owning groundwater source along with utilization of the water in the tank increased the farmer’s income by Rs 2, 000 per acre in paddy crop which was the predominant crop in this tank command area. The study suggested investing in conjunctive water utilization of both sources so as to minimize the cost incurred and increase the efficiency of water use.

Design of small gravity drip irrigation for smallholder farming in water scarce region of Indonesia

Many regions in Indonesia are suffering from a water crisis due to limited annual precipitation, especially in dry regions, which affects agricultural production. Climate change is becoming more severe, threatening global food and water security. Thus, the development of affordable irrigation for smallholder farms is crucial to increasing agricultural production. The study aims to provide a better design and management of a small gravity drip irrigation system for melon cultivation. Field experiments were conducted on a farmer’s field located in Sinjai Regency to analyze the performance of the small gravity drip irrigation system on melon cultivation. The technical design was determined by analyzing the water application uniformity and irrigation water productivity. The parameters of crop growth under small gravity drip irrigation were monitored during crop development stages, and the irrigation water productivity was calculated after the crop was harvested. As a result, the small gravity drip system performed well in crop performance, and the irrigation water productivity was 1.55 kg/m3. It can be concluded that a small gravity drip irrigation system is an effective strategy for irrigating melon cultivation on smallholder farms, minimizing water loss, and improving crop water productivity.