Water is a valuable resource and as it is non-renewable which makes it important to preserve what is left of it. Although, our planet is 71% water yet only 3% of it is fresh water, out of which 2.5% is unavailable as it is trapped in glaciers, atmosphere, soil, and polar ice caps or is highly polluted hence cannot be used. Only 0.5% is available freshwater due to which the process of ‘Water Withdrawal’ also known as ‘Water Abstraction’ is a necessity, it is when groundwater or surface water is taken and used in agriculture and industries.
Seventy percent of which goes into agricultural use, drip irrigation is a perfect solution to use water effectively and smartly. We here at Kothari, help you in this journey to use sustainable irrigation techniques to receive higher yields. Kothari Group is one of the leading Drip Irrigation System Manufacturers and Suppliers in India. We have our suppliers in all major cities of India.
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What is Drip irrigation?
Drip Irrigation is a micro-irrigation system also known as ‘Trickle Irrigation’; it applies water artificially through a system of small diameter plastic pipes, valves, tubing that are connected to outlets called drippers or emitters. In drip irrigation, the water is applied closer to the plants so only the soil near the roots is wetted as per the daily water requirement at regular intervals.
We here at Kothari have come up with an effective, long-lasting, smart, and economically safe technology that will enhance the quality of crops grown. With the help of Kothari’s Drip Irrigation Systems and equipment, you can control the quantity of water that the plants receive which will help reduce the unnecessary stress or strain of over or less watering from the plants and keep just the right amount of moisture in the soil.
How much do Drip Irrigation Systems cost per acre?
A drip irrigation system is a practice of applying small amounts of fertilizers and water uniformly across a particular area. The cost per acre for Drip Irrigation varies depending on the following factors:
The type of soil
The type of terrain
The sowing patterns
The water quality
The subsidy is given by the government
The size and shape of the land
The type of crops planted
The quality of the drip irrigation equipment
The design of the drip irrigation system
Kothari Drip Irrigation Equipment Manufacturers and Suppliers in India are one of the best in the market. When you are working with us for close spacing crops, the ISI drip system costs Rs. 42,000 - 50000 per acre and the NON-ISI drip system costs between Rs. 25,000 - 30,000 per acre.
Which is the best Drip Irrigation System?
One Drip Irrigation system cannot be suitable for all applications; several factors need to be taken into consideration. They are:
The type of crops
The fuel cost and availability
The initial cost
The labour requirements
The yard size and shape
The sources of water
The Drip Irrigation system which maintains the Field Capacity condition in the soil around the plant root zone for 24 hours is the best drip irrigation system. The Field Capacity condition is the proper Air-Water Ratio in the soil which varies with the type of soil. It is the highest limit of water available in the soil after gravitational water drainage of over a day.
How does a Drip Irrigation system work?
Drip Irrigation uses a source of water that flows at a rate of at least 2-5 gallons with a low-pressure operation working at 1 Kg/Cm2 operating pressure.
The water is supplied drop by drop, directly to the root zone of the crop with the help of the PVC & LLDPE tubing network.
The amount of water supplied to the crop root zone is based on the daily water requirement of the crop.
When buying an irrigation system avoid mixing brands of fitting with which Kothari Drip Irrigation manufacturers and suppliers, our experts will help you choose the system that is most beneficial for you.
Operating a drip is deciding how often to turn on and leave the drip irrigation system on, which also you don’t need to do if the system is automatic.
What are the types of Drip Irrigation System?
There are two popular types of Agricultural Drip Irrigation Systems based on the type of operation that Kothari Drip Irrigation Manufacturers and Suppliers in India make, they are:
Surface Drip Irrigation
This is the most common and popular type of drip irrigation.
In the Surface Drip Irrigation system, the lateral pipes and emitters are located on the surface of the soil.
It is useful for wide-spaced and row crops.
It is easy to use surface drips to inspect, observe, clean and change emitters. It is also convenient to observe surface moisture patterns and measure the discharge rates of individual emitters.
Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation System
In this type of Drip Irrigation. The lateral is placed 4” to 12” below the ground, near the plant root zone area to avoid water loss through evaporation.
Sub-surface Drip Irrigation systems provide less interference with crop cultivation and more operational life.
Here, water is slowly applied to the roots through emitters.
What are the Limitations of Drip Irrigation Systems?
Drip Irrigation systems have numerous benefits but they do have a few limitations, for successful implementation on crop production the following factors are taken into account:
The initial investment cost is a major factor in adapting to the Drip Irrigation Systems.
Due to clogging of emitters because of having small outlets caused by fertilizers, chemicals, and soil particles, it needs periodic maintenance.
The plastic pipes can be damaged by rodents.
If the Drip Irrigation system fails plants will suffer even more.
There can be salt accumulation in the plant root zone between two irrigation cycles.
Why do farmers prefer Drip Irrigation and why is it a necessity in the coming times?
In the next 10 years, our world’s population will be over 8 billion and increasing, out of which more than a billion will be India’s population. And to feed a large number of empty stomachs adapting to more effective and beneficial ways of agriculture is necessary. Also, India being an agricultural country, the multitude is employed by agricultural jobs; Drip Irrigation solutions will help our economy sustain.
The initial investment cost is high, but the durability is also high.
Efficient use of water and fertilizers.
Minimum water evaporation and loss of water.
Good soil health and no erosion due to proper use of water and fertilizers.
Reduces the impact of drought and climate change on the production of crops.
Saves groundwater and avoids contamination of rivers and groundwater caused by leaching of fertilizers.
Supports rural communities, reduces poverty, and helps the farmers sustain and earn a livelihood.
How Automatic Drip Irrigation System works?
‘Automatic’ is defined as an action or actions that take place without human interactions or help. When any system turns automatic the work becomes simple, effective, and reduces the labour cost.
In Automatic Drip Irrigation, drips are placed in the same manner as they are in drip irrigation systems.
The sensors are placed at the root zone of the crop so it can sense the moisture, pressure and temperature.
Then the sensors will send the data to the server where it will be compared to the predefined values stored in the database and be analyzed.
According to the analysis, the desired actions will automatically be taken by the system.
Automatic Drip Irrigation Systems, include centralized programming which designs the programs to automatic on-off of the section of the drip system on a real-time basis or a volumetric basis.
It also includes the automatic Filtration unit leading to the cleaning of the drip system automatically.
These systems can be operated at night as well, hence, the irrigation process starts and stops when required and the use of water and fertilizers becomes even more efficient.
What are the Benefits/Advantages of the Drip Irrigation System?
We, Kothari Drip Irrigation System Manufacturers and Suppliers in India, make it easy and affordable to design and install drip irrigation.
It is an easy implementation of existing soil sensors.
Water use is optimum and recycled water can be safely used.
Crop yield is maximal.
Fertilizers are used with high efficiency and are not mixed with groundwater.
No soil erosion and seed germination are improved.
Electricity & human power is saved.
Drip Irrigation systems help maintain dry and wet zones in the field, keeping the soil in good health.
Soil moisture is managed and plants are irrigated immediately
The cluster approach is possible due to the Drip Irrigation Systems.
Crop rotation as per the market is possible due to the controlled environment provided by Drip Irrigation Systems.
In addition, Drip Irrigation prevents diseases by minimizing water contact with stems, leaves and fruits of plants.
Kothari Drip Irrigation systems and equipments also allow the rows of plants to remain dry, improves access and reduces weed growth in the fields that hampers the growth of crops.
How Drip System enhances growth and is preferred by plants?
Agricultural Drip Irrigation Systems and Equipments have been designed by the Kothari Group Irrigation manufacturers and suppliers in India, such that the needs of the plants are taken into consideration. Plants wish to have a well calculated and balanced, water and nutrient diet as well.
Drip Irrigation applies nutrients and water in small doses, frequently.
This ensures ideal growing conditions and leads to a 30-40% rise in the crop yield saving 40-60% water and 30-40% nutrients.
It maintains the field capacity 24X7 in the soil around the root zone; it offers the same amount of water and air to the plant.
Hence, no saturation and good aeration in the soil.
It avoids high salinity in the soil, which is caused due to excess application of fertilizers.
No fungal diseases caused by the wetting of foliage.
Drip Irrigation enhances plant growth which is why plants prefer this type of irrigation.
Which crops are suitable for Drip Irrigation?
All types of crops are suitable for an Agricultural Drip Irrigation System including close spacing crops like Vegetable crops, Flowers, Commercial crops like sugarcane, cotton, etc. to the medium or high spaced horticulture crops.
It is most effective for row crops like vegetables, soft fruits, trees and vine crops where one or more emitter is used for plants individually.
Due to the high installation costs, only high-value crops are generally considered.
Is Drip Irrigation System Expensive?
Drip Irrigation is one of the most potent and productive ways of irrigation which makes it cost-effective as well.
Drip Irrigation Systems along with the equipment that Kothari Group Irrigation Manufactures and Suppliers, is an economically efficient Agricultural Drip Irrigation System for crop irrigation.
Drip irrigation systems have a high initial expenditure but considering their life span which is 7 to 10 years, makes it a good investment.
Drip Irrigation Systems save the per year cost, save water and fertilizers, increase the yield and soil health making it the most productive way of irrigation.
How does the Government subsidy for Drip Irrigation work in India?
The subsidy for drip Irrigation in India is available under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
In which, the Government of India gives up to 5 hectares per beneficiary maximum subsidy of 1 lakh per hectare of land Under the scheme a total of 300 farmers can be benefitted in a year.
The financial assistance depends on the category of states for drought, hilly, dessert and other country regions.