The Group Micro Irrigation Model From 2007 to 2017, India’s groundwater levels steadily declined, with 61% of monitored wells showing reduced water levels, highlighting a severe depletion of this critical resource. Of the 14,465 wells surveyed by the Central Ground Water Board, nearly two-thirds revealed continuous drops in water tables, a direct result of extensive extraction and unsustainable practices. In states heavily dependent on groundwater, this depletion underscored a challenging reality for communities striving to meet their water needs for both domestic and agricultural purposes. While India receives an average annual rainfall of 1,190 mm, this is insufficient to replenish groundwater, especially with outdated flood irrigation practices still prevalent. Flood irrigation, though straightforward and accessible, results in substantial water loss through runoff and evaporation. Modern irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems could significantly improve efficiency, yet these methods represent only 11% of India’s irrigation infrastructure. Even with government subsidies, the high upfront costs and limited awareness keep these technologies out of reach for many small-scale farmers, making conventional methods seem more accessible despite their inefficiencies. Recognising the complex barriers to sustainable water use in agriculture, the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) developed an innovative solution—the Group Micro Irrigation (GMI) model—to promote equitable groundwater access and encourage the adoption of efficient micro-irrigation systems among farmers. This model aims to address the unique needs of small and marginal farmers by pooling resources and implementing more efficient irrigation systems. In doing so, the GMI model reduces the strain on aquifers and enables farmers to maximise their productivity. Arun Bhagat, a researcher at WOTR Centre for Resilience Studies (W-CReS) and a key advocate for this model, explains, “No matter how many wells tap into an aquifer, the total water extracted remains constant. Drilling more wells doesn’t increase groundwater availability, so we advocate for shared water use.” The GMI model emphasises collaboration, fostering a sense of community where farmers unite to share resources rather than competing for limited groundwater. Shared wells help maintain aquifer health by reducing the total number of access points into the groundwater system. When communities or groups rely on a single shared well, it minimises the disturbance to the aquifer, as each well creates a “cone of depression” that draws down water levels around it. Multiple wells create overlapping cones of depression, which can intensify aquifer depletion and disrupt the natural recharge rate. By using fewer, shared wells, groundwater extraction becomes more centralised and manageable. This allows communities to monitor water use more effectively, distribute water sustainably, and support natural replenishment processes. Each well creates a “cone of depression” that draws down water levels around it Key components of GMI model Groundwater Management: It includes both supply- and demand-side strategies. On the supply side, it focuses on replenishing groundwater through rainwater harvesting and constructing soil and water conservation structures. On the demand side, it involves collectivising private groundwater resources, sharing water from a common aquifer, and distributing it equitably through a shared micro-irrigation system. Promotion of Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) Practices: This enhances soil health and crop resilience against challenges posed by climate change. These practices include seed treatment, crop geometry, intercropping, trap cropping, the use of organic manures (like compost and vermicompost), organic inputs (such as Amrutpani, Jeevamrut, and Vermiwash), and bio-pest management practices (including pheromone traps, light traps, and bio-pesticides like dashparni ark and Neemark). Market access: The GMI model facilitates market linkage through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), helping farmers secure better prices for their products. Applied Research: The fourth component focuses on integrating applied research to equip farmers with tools and methods for evaluating their agricultural performance, enabling them to make informed decisions for future seasons. This assessment also provides research-based insights into the effectiveness of various interventions. Key tools and methods include field book maintenance by farmers, crop water budgeting, and groundwater availability assessment through pump discharge testing. In Maharashtra, the GMI model has been successfully implemented in semi-arid regions of Marathwada and Madhya Maharashtra, where adaptive water strategies are crucial. For instance, in Tigalkheda—a village in the Bhokardhan block of Jalna district—the GMI model was introduced in 2017 after a careful assessment of local aquifers, involving 14 farmers. Ramadas, a farmer from Tigalkheda, reflects on the model’s impact: “We realised that drawing water from from our own separate well was causing neighbouring wells to run low. That awareness changed our approach. We discovered that using a single well collectively could benefit all farmers rather than draining our individual wells. Sharing one well became an obvious solution, especially since our wells often ran dry.”To sustain this system, each farmer contributes to a communal fund for maintenance and repairs. This approach not only lowers operational costs but also fosters team-based water management, supporting sustainable practices across the community. The GMI model’s success also points to policy implications. Maharashtra’s government currently offers subsidies to individual farmers, covering 80% of micro-irrigation costs for small farmers and 75% for larger farmers, but Arun suggests that increased support for groups could amplify the model’s impact. “If the government prioritised subsidies for farmer groups, more communities could adopt GMI, making water management more sustainable across the board.” The model, while promising, does face some challenges for scaling. Transitioning to this communal model requires farmers to shift from competitive mindsets toward cooperative water use, which involves building trust and aligning goals. Additionally, the financial sustainability of these systems relies on farmers’ continued investment in communal funds for infrastructure maintenance. Finally, effective scaling necessitates a nuanced understanding of local conditions, including groundwater levels, soil types, cropping patterns, and community dynamics, all of which influence the success of GMI models. The GMI model offers a practical solution to India’s water crisis, aligning with national goals for sustainable agriculture. It has the potential to double farmers’ incomes by improving yields, reducing costs, and supporting better market access. Furthermore, by increasing crop diversity and promoting climate-resilient agriculture, GMI contributes to food security and strengthens farmers’ adaptability in the face of climate change. Source link: WOTR website