Constraints faced and suggested solutions by the farmers of Gujarat in adoption and operation of micro irrigation system

Abstract

Micro irrigation technologies are aggressively promoted in India by the central government, state governments and many Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs), both local and International, by providing different kinds of financial, institutional and technical support systems. GGRC (Gujarat Green Revolution Company LTD) is the only one of its type of company or we can say, service provider, which disburse government subsidy to farmers, for easy adoption and installation of MIS throughout Gujarat state. While studying the level of adoption of Micro Irrigation System by the farmers of Patan district, we came to know about the constraints faced by users while adopting and operating the system. With suggestions to overcome those constraints. Every technology has its own positive and negative points, hence, there are few constraints or problems occurred with the use of MIS. Majority of respondents, complained about the clogging of drippers due to saline substances and water quality, breaking of on line small length drippers and improper and irregular services provided by the company dealers. Few respondents mentioned about the problems such as, difficult to make equal distribution of water, and difficulty in interculturing. These constrains directly affect the adoption level of MIS by the farmers. Owners or adopters of these technologies were asked to express their problems which they frequently face during adoption or operation or maintaining the system. Few suggestions were given by the farmers or system owners themselves. Owners and adopters were asked to freely mention their suggestions to overcome these problems or constraints. Majority of farmers suggested proper and required water analysis before installation, to disburse Knowledge about suitable acid treatment for clogging, and local cooperative banks should provide facility for loan of entire system installation. Suggestions or the ways to solve these problems also play important role in extent of adoption of MIS.