Micro irrigation is the slow application of continuous drips, tiny streams or miniature sprays of water above or below the soil surface. Micro irrigation providing livelihood to poor and essential for food production system is resolving the world water scarcity issues. Micro irrigation system is enhancing the crop production with increasing demand by the growing population. It helps reduce water consumption, growth of unwanted plants (weeds), soil erosion and cost of cultivation. The world is facing depleting water sources due to wastage, overuse, pollution and weather conditions that have become highly unpredictable. Farmers across the globe are relieved to find micro irrigation systems at their rescue as the water is made available at the right time and place as and when needed by the crops. Earlier the farmers where in a perplexity to grow more crops with scarce water resources. The system has also reduced the burden on farmers of distant water resources as it enables the smooth flow of water through well positioned pipes. These systems are expected to increase profits of farmers per yield.
According to the research report “Global Micro irrigation Systems Market Outlook, 2027" published by Bonafide Research, the market is expected to grow at the CAGR of 9.06% by the year 2027. Micro irrigation systems are split into two main forms namely: Drip irrigation and Sprinkler irrigation. The drip irrigation systems market is expected to grow rapidly in the foreseen future. The drawback would be high prices of initial investment to implement the system on the farmland. Also, emphasis laid on providing training and assistance would further bolster the adoption rate of the system as farmers are still lacking proper guidance. Sprinkler irrigation is more effective for row, field and tree crops. Asia Pacific region is the dominant region in this market. Orchards & Vineyards are expected to flourish rapidly with the application of micro irrigation systems during the forecast period.
The government further, has aid the growth of micro irrigation systems by urging farmers. It provides subsidies and technical knowhow in the form of training and assistance. The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) established the design of a micro-irrigation system (DOMIS), a web-based application system that helps in designing customized micro-irrigation systems for efficient water utilization under several agro-climatic conditions.
The pandemic had a major impact, due to which the micro irrigation systems market faced terrible consequences and continues to have aggregated and far-reaching effects across the water, energy, ecosystem, and food. Despite qualifying as essential service during lockdowns, irrigation manufacturers struggled for functional devices, inputs, and maintenance. The market faced significant monetary distress due to additional costs and lower revenues from both state transfers and tariffs. For example, in India, the pre-monsoon dam inspection and maintenance, was interrupted. Farmers further faced accessibility to irrigation equipment’s and other inputs.
The renowned market players in the micro irrigation systems market are Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd (JISL), Lindsay Corporation, Toro Company, Netafim Ltd, Irrigation & Water Technologies (IWT), Mahindra EPC Irrigation Limited, Deere & Company, Elgo Irrigation Ltd, Rivulis Irrigation, Rain Bird Corporation, Antelco Pty Ltd, Harvel Agua India Private Limited, Nelson Irrigation Corporation, Hunter Industries, Metzer, Dayu Irrigation Group Co Ltd, Agrodrip SA, Teco Srl, T-L Irrigation Co, Valmont Industries Inc, and Irritec SpA.