Amid water scarcity due to two consecutive years of drought, Agriculture Secretary Shobhana K Pattanayak today favoured direct transfer of subsidy to farmers to promote micro irrigation in a big way.
To begin with, he suggested a pilot programme should be launched for direct transfer of subsidy in micro irrigation schemes in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
At present, micro irrigation is covered in 7.73 million hectares, while the potential is 69.5 million hectare.
"The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of subsidy is the right way forward for all the schemes of the government. If it can be implemented in micro irrigation, it will be a big step forward," Pattanayak said at the release of a strategy paper on micro irrigation.
Stating that there are some challenges in implementing the DBT in micro irrigation schemes, he said, "It is not easy and will take time. If implemented, it will be a significant step in accelerating 7.73 million hectare covered under micro irrigation. I will certainly try to put this into action."
Perhaps, the best way to take forward is to launch a pilot project in selected place where micro irrigation has deep roots. It can be implemented in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, he added.
The strategy paper, prepared by a consulting firm Grant Thornton India and commissioned by Industry bodies Ficci and Irrigation Association of India (IAI), has direct transferring of micro irrigation subsidy to farmers.
"This DBT model allows a farmer the choice of provider to go with. The subsidy is in the name of the farmer. This helps provide the technology at discounted rates, while making the entire process easier through a simple IT enabled process," the paper said.
At present, both the Centre and states provide subsidy for buying mirco irrigation equipments. In fact, some states are giving subsidy up to 90 per cent.
The Centre has integrated micro irrigation in the flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojna (PMKSY) launched in 2015.
On a recommendation to make drip irrigation mandatory for water guzzling crops, the secretary said, "It is a very good idea. PM during interaction with CMs has very categorically asked them to encourage farmers use of drip in phased manner for growing water guzzling crops."
The Centre cannot direct farmers not to grow particular crops. The states will have to create awareness about micro irrigation, he said.
Calling upon the irrigation industry to improve after sale services to farmers, Pattanayak said, "The industry should also improve services after selling the product. Then only this will catch on. Ease of installing the system is one aspect, after sale service is of equally important."
The secretary also asked the industry to take the responsibility to recycle the plastic.
