INDIA MICRO IRRIGATION SYSTEMS MARKET FORECAST 2023-2030

As of February 3, 2021, the average penetration of micro irrigation in India stands at 19%, which is significantly lower compared to many other countries. If the country adopts drip irrigation systems for cultivating crops like sugarcane, banana, okra, papaya, and bitter gourd, it could potentially save up to 60% of the water used. Presently, 27 states in India have less than 30% micro irrigation system coverage, with 23 states having less than 15% coverage. This scenario is evident in Uttar Pradesh, the largest producer of sugarcane, where only 1.5% of the area is under micro irrigation, and Punjab, which has only 1.2% coverage.

The India micro irrigation systems market segmentation includes end-user, product type, and crop type. The crop type segment includes orchard crops, forage & grasses, field crops, plantation crops, and other crop types.

Field crops, such as corn, cotton, rice, sorghum, soybeans, winter wheat, durum wheat, and spring wheat, can greatly benefit from the implementation of micro irrigation. This modern irrigation technique has proven advantageous for crops like tomatoes and cotton. Given the advancements in durability, component reliability, and design, the cost of adopting micro irrigation systems has decreased, benefiting small-scale field crop producers.

Drip irrigation, widely preferred for field crops like wheat, has shown superior water productivity compared to sprinkler irrigation. Sub-surface drip irrigation also holds substantial growth potential when applied to field crops.

The advantages of micro irrigation for field crops are numerous, encompassing water conservation, increased yields, reduced labor costs, and minimal fertilizer usage, among others. Overall, this technology holds promise in boosting crop yields and optimizing water usage in agricultural field production. However, it is essential to approach its implementation with careful management and thorough planning to ensure an optimum system design.

Whereas plantation crops encompass rapid-growing trees and conifers, specifically tea, coffee, cotton, oilseeds, rubber trees, sugarcane, cocoa, sisal, and fruits. In the context of these crops, the adoption of fertigation, which involves the precise application of fertilizers, water, and essential trace elements through micro irrigation, is on the rise, leading to improved yields. For instance, tea cultivation benefits from zinc and copper to enhance color and taste, and fertigation proves instrumental in delivering these vital elements. Notably, among the irrigation methods, drip irrigation is the preferred method for plantation crops over sprinkler irrigation.

Some of the leading companies in the India micro irrigation systems market include Mahindra EPC Irrigation Limited, Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd (JISL), Kisan Irrigations & Infrastructure Ltd, etc.

Mahindra EPC Irrigation Limited sells and manufactures micro irrigation systems in India. The company’s irrigation products include open-well submersible pumps, monoblocks, bore well, rain guns, quick pipe coupling pipes, and sprinkler heads. Also, it offers HDPE pipes, landscape & turf irrigation products, and pipe coils. Additionally, the company offers specialized pipes for gas distribution and water conveyance. It is headquartered in Nashik, India.