Question

Which of the following states had the highest area under micro irrigation (as on 31.03.2021) in the country ?

• A. Andhra Pradesh
• B. Karnataka
• C. Maharashtra
• D. Rajasthan

Hint:

While Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra lead in drip irrigation, Rajasthan leads in overall micro-irrigation due to its extensive use of sprinkler systems in sandy and undulating terrains.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Micro-irrigation techniques, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, play a critical role in conserving water, improving fertilizer use efficiency, and increasing crop yields.
In India, these programs are promoted under the "Per Drop More Crop" component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
According to official statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, as of March 31, 2021:
The total cumulative area under micro-irrigation varies significantly across different states due to geographical topography and water availability.
Let us look at the approximate state-wise cumulative areas:
- Rajasthan: ~2.1 million hectares (largest area, primarily driven by a high adoption of sprinkler irrigation in its vast arid and semi-arid zones).
- Karnataka: ~1.9 million hectares.
- Andhra Pradesh: ~1.8 million hectares.
- Maharashtra: ~1.8 million hectares.
Due to extreme water scarcity in Western Rajasthan, the state government has made micro-irrigation mandatory for utilizing water from major canal systems (e.g., Narmada Canal project), leading to massive adoption.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, Rajasthan has the highest cumulative area under micro-irrigation as of 31.03.2021.