PUNJAB TO PROMOTE DRIP IRRIGATION IN MAIZE CROP: PANNU

Chandigarh, June 9, 2019: Aiming sustainable water management, Government of Punjab under Tandrust Punjab Mission seeks to promote drip irrigation in maize crop, informed KS Pannu, Mission Director, Tandrust Punjab Mission.

He informed that a target of 1.50 lakh hectare has been fixed for sowing of maize crop this year. A pilot project of micro irrigation on maize crop would be taken up in 1000 acres this season.

Detailing about drip on maize campaign, Mission Director informed that out of 1000 acres of maize under drip irrigation, 900 acres shall be on surface based drip system whereas 100 acres shall be sub surface based drip system. He also informed that four micro irrigation companies will also install demonstrations of drip irrigation on maize over an area of 10 acres each.

Oficers were asked to work hard on alternative methods of crop watering in the wake of serious water resource challenge the state is likely to face in coming years.

Dharminder Kumar principal chief conservator of soil, observed that drip irrigation not only conserves water but it also increases yield and the department is ready to launch it on large scale.

Experts from Punjab Agricultural University informed that they have successfully conducted experiments of sub-surface drip irrigation system on maize - wheat - moong cycle and it should be promoted on mass scale.

The companies urged that GST of 12% on micro irrigation should be brought to zero.

It is pertinent to mention that a pilot campaign of micro irrigation on cotton was also undertaken this season by Soil Conservation department, under which 200 acres of cotton crop has been brought under drip irrigation.