What are the major challenges faced by Indian irrigation system in recent times? State the measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management.

Irrigation underpins Indian agriculture and food security, yet nearly half the net sown area still depends on the vagaries of the monsoon. With per-capita water availability declining and demand rising, making irrigation efficient, equitable and sustainable is central to raising farm incomes and cushioning agriculture against climate stress.

Major challenges

• Over-reliance on groundwater has caused sharply falling water tables, especially in the north-west, a problem worsened by subsidised or free farm power that encourages over-pumping.
• Low water-use efficiency: flood irrigation predominates, and water-guzzling crops like paddy and sugarcane are grown in water-scarce zones.
• Large canal networks suffer heavy conveyance losses, silting, poor maintenance and a persistent gap between irrigation potential created and actually utilised.
• Regional disparities, waterlogging and salinity in command areas, and climate-driven erratic rainfall add further stress.
• Weak participatory management, poor cost recovery through water charges and fragmented landholdings undermine efficient and equitable water distribution at the tail-end.

Government measures

• The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) integrates schemes under 'Har Khet ko Pani' and the 'Per Drop More Crop' micro-irrigation component.
• A dedicated Micro Irrigation Fund under NABARD finances the expansion of drip and sprinkler systems.
• The Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme fast-tracks stalled major and medium projects, while the Command Area Development and Water Management programme improves last-mile water delivery and on-farm efficiency.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana promotes community-led, data-driven groundwater management in over-exploited blocks, and PM-KUSUM supports solar and efficient pumping.
• Complementary steps include watershed development, canal lining and modernisation, and technology such as remote sensing and geo-tagging to monitor assets and water use.

Combining micro-irrigation, rational power and water pricing, crop diversification toward less thirsty crops, and participatory irrigation management by water-user associations is the surest route to sustainable and efficient irrigation.