Farmers pin hopes on drip irrigation to tackle drought

They have approached the horticulture department to guide them as they are of the view that it would help save 60 per cent of water needs. Officials said that the small and medium farmers can avail of 100 of per cent subsidy while others will be given 75 per cent subsidy. This year, the number of farmers availing the facility is more than triple fold and they have planned to use the module for non-horticulture crops cultivation also.

A section of farmers after witnessing success in micro irrigation system to irrigate horticulture crops is now extending it to non-horticulture crops. This has prompted the farmers to cultivate cotton, sugarcane, red gram, black gram, vegetables and fruits.

According to Tamil Nadu Horticulture Development Agency (TANHODA), subsidy will be provided to vegetables, including potato and onion, and non-horticulture crops such as cereals and pulses, based on the area of cultivation. Each agrarian family has been fixed the sealing of 12.50 acre irrigation. 

According to R Mohankumar, Assistant Director (Agriculture), Tiruchy, the cost of devices ranges between Rs 31,000 and 1.50 lakh depending upon the acreage.

Small and marginal farmers are provided full subsidy for installing micro-irrigation devices such as drip or sprinkler system in their fields. Large-scale farmers are also included in this scheme, and they would be given 75 per cent subsidy.