Karnataka launches integrated micro irrigation in Haveri

The project, implemented by Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd at a cost of Rs 168 crore, provides irrigation to 9,900 hectares of farm land

Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd (JISL) has completed Rs 168 crore Integrated Micro Irrigation Project near Shiggaon in Haveri district of Karnataka. This project is expected to benefit around 8,200 farmers from nearly 30 villages where in farmers will be able to make the most efficient use of water.

Karnataka chief minister Jagadish Shettar inaugurated the project. The project will rejuvenate and irrigate around 9,900 hectares of land and help the farmers who do not have wells for irrigation. The water will be lifted at discharge rate of 6.135 cumec from Varada River with the help of 10,616 HP pump sets and 2,000 mm/1,200 mm diameters and then delivered to six delivery chambers.

This water will be provided to the farmers on equal basis and would be farmed with the help of sprinkler irrigation. The irrigation interval would be of five days to apply 14 mm of water to each farm and the crops would include sunflower, maize, groundnut, chilly, pulses and jowar.

“This is the first of its kind project for collective farming through efficient use of water. This project is a perfect solution for Karnataka where more than 50% of the villages are drought prone. It can be a model for other Indian states too,” Shettar said.

Ajit Jain, managing director, JISL said:, “Traditional way of using the water is a matter of worry as it results in wastage of water. The government aimed to increase water use capacity from traditional 35% to that of 55%. Whereas with our most advanced technology we have made it possible to increase it to 75%. Drip irrigation was the first agriculture revolution in India where as this could be considered as the second revolution in the field.”

JISL has provided all the services to the farmers, right from initial survey, planning, designing, construction, supply.