India, UN’s FAO Launch Climate-Smart Irrigation Pilot Programme
In a significant move to transform water management and irrigation practices in the country, India has joined hands with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to launch a pilot programme aimed at reducing water wastage and increasing agricultural productivity. The programme, which was recently launched in four states, is a unique initiative that leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver efficient and sustainable irrigation solutions to farmers.
The pilot programme, which is being implemented in partnership with the Indian government, will deploy closed, pressurized irrigation pipe systems that dramatically reduce evaporation losses and enable efficient water delivery to far-flung farms. This innovative approach is expected to bring about significant benefits to farmers, including reduced costs, increased crop yields, and improved water management practices.
Climate-smart irrigation is a critical component of sustainable agriculture, and India’s partnership with the FAO is seen as a major step forward in addressing the country’s water management challenges. According to the FAO, irrigation is one of the most critical components of agricultural development, as it allows farmers to grow crops in areas where rainfall is limited or unpredictable.
However, traditional irrigation practices often result in significant losses due to evaporation, seepage, and other inefficiencies. These losses not only waste valuable water resources but also reduce the overall productivity of farms. In India, where water scarcity is a major challenge, climate-smart irrigation solutions are seen as a vital component of the country’s agricultural development strategy.
The pilot programme, which is being implemented in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, will focus on deploying closed, pressurized irrigation pipe systems in over 10,000 hectares of farmland. These systems, which are designed to minimize evaporation losses, will be equipped with advanced sensors and monitoring systems that enable farmers to optimize water use and reduce waste.
The programme will also provide training and capacity-building support to farmers, enabling them to adopt new irrigation practices and technologies. This will help to build a culture of water stewardship and promote sustainable agriculture practices in the participating states.
The FAO has been at the forefront of promoting climate-smart irrigation practices globally, and its partnership with India is seen as a major step forward in addressing the country’s water management challenges. “Climate-smart irrigation is critical to ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change,” said Dr. Dominique Burgeon, the FAO’s Assistant Director-General for Agriculture and Consumer Protection. “We are pleased to be partnering with the Government of India to promote innovative irrigation solutions that benefit farmers and contribute to sustainable agriculture development.”
The Indian government has welcomed the partnership with the FAO, saying that it will help to promote sustainable agriculture practices and reduce water waste in the country. “Irrigation is a critical component of agricultural development, and we need to adopt innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change,” said Mr. Narendra Singh Tomar, India’s Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmer Welfare. “We are pleased to be partnering with the FAO to promote climate-smart irrigation practices and ensure food security for our people.”
In conclusion, the partnership between India and the FAO is a significant step forward in promoting sustainable agriculture practices in the country. The pilot programme, which will deploy closed, pressurized irrigation pipe systems in four states, is a unique initiative that has the potential to bring about significant benefits to farmers and contribute to sustainable agriculture development. As the global community continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, innovative irrigation solutions like this pilot programme will play a critical role in ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture development.
Source: https://agritimes.co.in/weather/india-fao-launch-climate-smart-irrigation-pilot
