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Small-holder farmers are unable to invest large sum of resources in micro-irrigation systems as their opportunity costs are high. Due to small holdings, the system should be adaptive to suit the small odd size plots, simple to operate and maintain and should be capable of recovering the capital investment within two years at maximum. As such high sophisticated micro-irrigation systems do not meet their needs.
Several NGOs, manufacturers and national research programs have recently attempted to address the needs of small holders by developing and promoting simple assemblies of micro-irrigation components known as “bucket kits” and “drum kits”. They are low pressure systems using pressure from a bucket or oil drum mounted approximately 1.5-2.0 m above field level to deliver water through short laterals (generally 15 m) of commercial drip tape. Another variant is a ‘wagon wheel” system working on same principles with the water drum in the centre of the plot with irrigation laterals radiating out like spoke of wheels.
Initially, emitters were formed by punching small holes in the laterals with a heated needle and covering the holes with baffles formed by the same tube split laterally. The HDPE has now been replaced by LLDPE and micro-tubing is now used instead of punched holes and baffles.
Smaller moveable sprinkler systems suitable for use with 5 hpdiesel or smaller electric pumps have also been used for areas ranging 5-60 ha. In hilly terrain such sprinkler systems can use natural gravity. Pipe networks are installed with hydrant off-takes for each farmer allowing them to connect a hose and sprinkler. These systems require a close cooperation between farmers and as such a culture of cooperatives is essential.
Smallholders Irrigation Development Organization (SISDO) in Kenya with the mission to provide easy financial support to is helping farmers both financially as well as technically in provision of these technologies. India and China have established manufacturing capabilities and are promoting micro-irrigation technologies for small-holders. There is need to share these experiences and learn from successes and failures. Click here to share your experiences on smallholders micro-irrigation technologies.
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Irrigation
Sources of Irrigation
Irrigation History +
Sources of Irrigation +
IMPROVING SOIL MOISTURE +
Ponds +
Tanks +
Diversion Weirs +
Dams and Reservoirs +
Groundwater +
Conjunctive Water Use +
Wastewater +
Poor Quality Water +
Application of Irrigation water
Canal Irrigation +
Flood Irrigation +
Deficit Irrigation +
Supplemental Irrigation +
Sprinkler Irrigation +
Drip Irrigation +
Lift Irrigation +
Centre Pivot Irrigation +
Tidal Irrigation +
Micro-Irrigation Technologies for Small Holders +
Automatic Irrigation Systems +
Pressurized Irrigation +
Irrigation in Viticulture +
Purpose of Irrigation
Instruments and implements of Irrigation
Pumps +
Centrifugal Pumps +
Submersible Pumps +
Turbine and Jet Pumps +
Conveying Pipes +
Sprinklers +
Drippers +
Canal Automation Systems +
Irrigation Management
Economics of Irrigation System +
I&D System Types +
I&D Investment Functions +
I&D Management Issues +
Participatory I&D Management +
Equity in Irrigation +
Irrigation Services +
Irrigation and environment
Pollution and Irrigation +
Irrigation and Climate Resilience +
Environmental Aspects of Irrigation +
Environmental Impacts of Irrigation +
Green Lawn Irrigation +
Safe Use of Waste Water in Irrigation +
Organic Agriculture +
Soil Health +
Soil Health Management +
Quality of Irrigation Water +
Capacity Development
Drainage
Drainage Types and Systems
Agricultural Drainage +
Field Drainage systems +
Canal Irrigation and Drainage +
Surface Drainage Systems +
Subsurface Drainage +
Mole Drainage +
Bio-Drainage +
Regional Bio-Drainage +
Drainage Issues
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