Constraints Analysis of Drip Irrigation Technology Adoption in Cotton Cultivation-An Explorative Study in Three States of India

AbstractDrip irrigation is widely recognized as a sustainable and efficient technology in modern agriculture, particularly for enhancing water-use efficiency across a range of crops. Even though the efficiency of the technology has been proven by several researchers and despite promotion by the government, the dissemination of the technology remains restricted within a boundary. In India, Maharashtra leads in the adoption of drip irrigation technology, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Although numerous studies have highlighted the advantages and efficiency of drip irrigation across different crops, limited research has been conducted specifically on cotton to assess the constraints in the adoption of drip irrigation technology. In this context, it is essential to explore the different constraints faced by drip-irrigated cotton farmers. The present study was undertaken to systematically examine the different constraints involved in cotton cultivation. A structured survey research design was employed, covering three major cotton-growing states of India-Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. From each state, 120 drip-irrigating cotton farmers were selected using stratified random sampling, constituting a total sample size of 360 respondents. The results revealed that while some constraints such as emitter clogging and high initial costs are common across states, others like electricity charges, spare parts availability, and wildlife damage vary significantly by region. The study concludes that although drip irrigation enhances water-use efficiency in cotton cultivation, its widespread adoption is hindered by region-specific technical, economic, and infrastructural constraints. Addressing these localized challenges is crucial for maximizing the benefits of drip irrigation technology.