Not AvailableRice is the staple food for half of the world’s population, and rice farming is a livelihood for millions of
farmers in Asia. In India, it provides an individual
with 32% of the total calorie and 24% of the total protein daily. This crop is mostly grown in puddled soil
by transplanting, and flood irrigation is practised by
farmers. Water or irrigation input to transplanted
rice typically ranges from 1000 to 2000 mm depending
upon the growing season, climatic condition, soil type
and hydrological conditions. Facing water scarcity
and climate change, reducing water requirement of
this crop is a challenge. Out of 42.75 million hectare
(m ha) rice area, only 25.12 m ha is under irrigation.
Regarding water resources, depletion of groundwater
is alarming in the north Indian states. On the other
hand, it is under-utilized in eastern India. Microirrigation, i.e. sprinkler and drip methods have been
used with the aim of minimizing water use and
enhancing water use efficiency of rice. In addition,
evidence-based scientific understandings on microirrigation for rice have been elucidated in this article.
The potential of drip or sprinkler irrigation to rice on
water saving as well as scientific insight and critical
appraisal have been expounded on reasons of yield
reduction. This comprehensive treatise would facilitate
the formulation of strategies or policies on efficient
management of water or irrigation for rice cultivation.Not Availabl
