Varanasi: UP govt’s push for modern irrigation systems is helping farmers conserve water, adopt advanced farming practices, and improve income. Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, farmers in the district are increasingly using drip irrigation, portable sprinklers and mini sprinklers to reduce irrigation costs and boost crop productivity.The district has seen a sharp rise in number of beneficiaries as well area covered under modern irrigation over past nine years. In 2017-18, 173 farmers received subsidies worth Rs 41.54 lakh to irrigate 176.31 hectares through these systems. By 2025-26, the number of beneficiaries increased to 948, while the irrigated area expanded to 900.41 hectares. The subsidy amount also rose to Rs 2,11,51,081.District horticulture officer Subhash Kumar said continuous awareness campaigns are being conducted to encourage farmers to adopt modern irrigation systems. Farmers are being motivated to irrigate larger areas with less water while improving production.Additional horticulture officer Jyoti Kumar Singh said govt is providing subsidies ranging from 65% to 90% for drip irrigation, mini sprinkler, and portable sprinkler systems. Special focus is being placed on horticulture farmers to make them aware of the benefits of modern irrigation equipment, enabling them to achieve better yields at lower costs.He said drip irrigation and mini sprinkler systems help save 35% to 45% water, while portable sprinklers can save 25% to 30% water.Since 2017, govt has been encouraging farmers to use these technologies to reduce cultivation costs and increase production. The steady rise in beneficiaries reflects growing acceptance of modern irrigation practices in the district.In drip irrigation, water is supplied drop by drop directly to plant roots, minimising wastage and ensuring need-based irrigation. Portable sprinkler systems can be shifted easily across different parts of a field, allowing farmers to irrigate multiple areas with the same equipment. Mini sprinklers distribute water in fine sprays over crops, ensuring efficient coverage and reduced wastage.
