16th January 2025, New Delhi
Division of Agronomy, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, organized the field day on the Sub-surface drip Fertigation system (SSDF). A group of farmers from Odisha participated in the event, displaying keen interest in learning about the system.
Dr Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI, emphasized that to save irrigation water and to enhance crop productivity along with increased nutrient use efficiency, there is a dire need to bring more area under micro irrigation including sub-surface drip fertigation. He also urged the farmers to adopt micro irrigation in larger areas by availing the benefits of Government support in the form of subsidies for micro irrigation. Furthermore, Dr Rao highlighted that there is a need for wider adoption of this innovative technology, and he desired that students should learn the technology in greater depth.
Dr Sanjay Singh Rathore, Head, Division of Agronomy, formally briefed about the importance of SSDF and stated that India has only 4% of water resources, but to support >17% of the global population necessitates the promotion of micro irrigation in the country.
The scientists explained that the SSDF can reduce irrigation water usage and improve nutrient use efficiency by up to 50% and 70%, respectively. Over time, the cost of cultivation also decreases due to reduced labor requirements.
The scientists from different divisions, students, Heads of Divisions, and the Professors of ICAR-IARI participated in the field day.
(Source: ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi)
Read more: https://www.icar.org.in/odisha-farmers-visits-sub-surface-drip-fertigation-system-icar-iari
