With reference to micro-irrigation, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- 1.Fertilizer/nutrient loss can be reduced.
- 2.It is the only means of irrigation in dryland farming.
- 3.In some areas of farming, the receding of groundwater tables can be checked.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Answer & explanation
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct, so the answer is (c). Micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler) allows fertiliser to be applied through the system (fertigation), which cuts fertiliser use and wastage. It also saves water, which can ease pressure on falling groundwater in stressed areas. It is not the only means of irrigation in dryland farming.
- ✓ 1. Micro-irrigation allows fertigation, where fertiliser is applied through the irrigation system in measured amounts. Government material lists reduced fertiliser usage through fertigation as a benefit of micro-irrigation.
- ✗ 2. The word 'only' makes this wrong. Dryland farming depends mainly on rainfall and moisture conservation. Where irrigation is used, other methods such as surface irrigation and harvested-water irrigation also exist. Micro-irrigation is one option, not the sole one.
- ✓ 3. Micro-irrigation saves water, so less needs to be drawn from aquifers. The government directs micro-irrigation with more focus on water-scarce, water-stressed and critical groundwater blocks to conserve water. This is how it helps check falling water tables in such areas.
Remember · Micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler) saves water and fertiliser and eases groundwater stress. It is one tool among several for dryland farming, never the 'only' one.
Sources
- PIB – Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) under PMKSY ↗ “The Micro Irrigation helps in water saving as well as reduced fertilizer usage through fertigation, labour expenses, other input costs and overall income enhancement of farmers.”
- Operational Guidelines of Per Drop More Crop 2025, Government of India ↗ “More focus should be given to water scarce, water stressed and critical ground water blocks/districts to conserve water and get extended coverage in terms of area and time period for life saving irrigation.”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2011, General Studies Paper I. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·
