A TURNING POINT? WATER SAVING TECHNOLOGIES IN

Micro-irrigation systems help saves water, energy, labour, pesticides and fertilizer and there is less scope for waste. If chosen properly and used correctly, this technology increases crop production. The North Gujarat Initiative project of the International Water Management Institute initiated interventions using Water Saving Technologies (WST) in Banaskantha district five years ago. The project also introduced vermi-culture and horticulture along with WST. This three-way intervention has brought about a ‘synergic ’ effect in the farm economy of Banaskantha district. Bith the farm economy and non-farm economy has changed significantly in the region. A large increase in the farm income has brought about a new dimension in the life-style of the farmers who adopted this technology. The introduction of micro irrigation has turned into a movement and is perhaps playing a significant role in pushing agriculture to a significantly higher level of resource-productivity. 1