A holistic view on financial feasibility of different irrigation methods for major crops in Belagavi district, Karnataka

Abstract

The present study was conducted to assess the financial feasibility of different irrigation methods for major crops in Belagavi district in Karnataka. The multi-stage purposive sampling technique was employed for the collection ofprimary data from 120 sample farmers. Financial feasibility of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems was analysed comparingflood method using project evaluation technique based on various indicators namely, Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Payback Period (PBP). Information regarding costs and returns forfour major crops viz., sugarcane, sorghum, groundnut and maize was elicited from sample farmers for the cropping year2022–23. Results indicated that drip and sprinkler irrigation methods, especially with intervention of subsidies offeredhigher returns and profitability with shorter payback period when compared to flood irrigation. where the micro irrigationmethod not only ensures high productivity and profitability on crops considered sustainable in terms of water useefficiency. The study concludes that investment on micro-irrigation is a financially feasible and environmentally sustainablealternative than traditional flood method. This shows the investment on drip and sprinkler irrigation system was sound andeconomically viable for up scaling their adoption in the water scarce rain fed area to benefit farm economy on a larger scale.