CROP DIVERSIFICATION AND MICRO IRRIGATION

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) studied cropping patterns and groundwater data, finding a mismatch between water‑intensive crops and water availability in several states. It prepared an ‘Atlas of cropping systems in India’ and district‑specific crop plans for 14 major crops using indices such as RSI, RYI, SYI and SCSI. ICAR’s pilot project implemented location‑specific crop diversification in 47 districts and organized 457 training programmes (2023‑24 to 2025‑26) benefiting 8,749 farmers and 4,592 extension staff. The Government promotes diversification through schemes like PM‑DDKY, PMKSY (PDMC and Watershed Development Component) and NICRA, emphasizing micro‑irrigation, soil‑health management and climate‑resilient practices.