India’s agricultural sector has been facing heightened water scarcity and changing rainfall patterns, along with the pressure to raise crop productivity. The adoption of mature and advanced irrigation practices has become essential to improve yields while reducing water use. To this end, there is a growing convergence of digital technologies, renewable energy and institutional innovation through government support and private sector collaborations. Advancements in sensor-based monitoring, precision irrigation and forecast-linked advisory systems are gradually coming in. Research institutions are complementing these efforts through weather and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven irrigation models that optimise scheduling and reduce water stress. Despite some prevalent challenges, the convergence of these technologies offers a promising outlook for sustainable and climate-resilient irrigation practices across India’s diverse agricultural landscapes.
Government-led initiatives
The government is exploring ways to adopt new and smart measures to ensure better efficiency in irrigation practices. One of these efforts has been led by the Karnataka government with the launch of an initiative to allow data-driven irrigation in the state. Under this, the Department of Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development aims to map all 41,875 waterbodies in the state using cutting-edge technologies. It has been successful in geotagging 31,000 water bodies as of July 2025. Undertaken in collaboration with the Department of Survey, Settlement and Land Records, this comprehensive digital database enables the precise monitoring of water availability, identification of recharge zones and understanding of effective irrigation potential in different parts of the state. It has also created a digital base for deploying advanced technologies like internet of things (IoT)-enabled pumps, weather-adaptive irrigation schedules and better drip and sprinkler systems. Additionally, active participation of local communities and gram panchayats in validating and using the data ensures accountability and effective management. On similar grounds, other states such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, Punjab, Kerala, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have also undertaken digital initiatives to tailor water delivery to specific crops and field conditions.
Role of private players and collaborations in accelerating digital adoption
The private sector is also playing a pivotal role by providing advanced digital solutions to improve irrigation outputs. Digital mapping and analytics are becoming central to these proposed solutions. Companies such as Netafim and Xylem have introduced digital platforms and systems that combine satellite imagery, geographic information system (GIS)-based layers, soil data, climate models and cropping patterns to offer detailed decision support for farmers.
One such platform is Netafim’s sensor-based system, GrowSphere. By providing precise information on soil moisture, field variability, waterbody locations and local climate risks, such systems enable targeted deployment of irrigation infrastructure such as drip systems, micro sprinklers and solar pumps. Moreover, the rise of agri-tech start-ups is driving a new wave of innovation in the sector. These enterprises are collaborating to develop advanced and data-driven solutions to improve water efficiency in irrigation.
Research-driven forecasting models
Forecast-driven irrigation planning is emerging as a critical component of water-efficient agriculture. Research organisations are collaborating to develop new models that help in effective planning. To this end, in July 2025, IIT Bombay and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, developed the Smart Irrigation Plan for short-term weather forecasts with crop water demand simulations, enabling dynamic irrigation scheduling. In drought-prone areas, pilots showed potential savings of 10-30 per cent, achieved by deferring irrigation before forecasted rainfall and applying only crop-specific volumes. Similarly, in May 2025, the Punjab Agricultural University partnered with BITS Pilani to foster joint research and technology ventures, offering a strong model of how innovation can enhance irrigation efficiency. Cutting-edge tools such as IoT-based moisture sensors, precision farming systems, drones, robotics, GIS and AI-enabled real-time soil monitoring enable accurate irrigation scheduling, early detection of water stress and optimised water use across crops. For start-ups, this collaboration opens avenues to design scalable, farmer-centric technologies such as low-cost soil sensors, irrigation advisory apps, automated drip or fertigation systems and remote monitoring platforms.
Complementing this, AI-driven piped irrigation networks such as those developed by Vassar Labs dynamically allocate water to fields based on soil moisture, crop stage and forecasted rainfall. These systems, developed through intense research and development, have the potential to reduce water stress, prevent over-irrigation and improve energy efficiency. Moreover, forecast-based irrigation also allows for adaptive management in response to extreme weather events, enhancing resilience in regions facing erratic rainfall or prolonged dry spells.
Solar-powered irrigation practices
The integration of renewable energy with irrigation enhances both its sustainability and operational efficiency. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme is making steady efforts towards this end. Under the programme’s Component A, around 6.5 per cent of solar capacity has been installed as of September 30, 2025. Further, 25.5 per cent feeder-level solarisation and 16.5 per cent individual pump solarisation have been achieved under Component C during the same time period. In another related development, the Telangana government launched a new flagship initiative called the Indira Solar Giri Jal Vikasam scheme in May 2025, supporting the installation of solar pumps for 210,000 tribal farmers. This scheme worth Rs 126 billion offers fully funded pump installations with technical assistance. Along with promoting solar-powered irrigation, the scheme supports horticultural development through drip irrigation systems, the supply of high quality saplings and interim income generation via intercropping until the main crops reach their productive stage.
On similar lines, in October 2025, the Punjab government approved a 40 MW canal-top solar project that will generate clean energy while reducing water evaporation and optimising canal infrastructure use for irrigation. Implemented by the Punjab Energy Development Agency, the initiative supports both renewable energy expansion and efficient water management within the state’s irrigation network. Altogether, these initiatives represent a practical pathway for scaling sustainable irrigation across diverse geographies and farm sizes.
Challenges of data gaps, affordability and technology readiness
Several bottlenecks are hindering the wider adoption of smart irrigation techniques. For instance, high quality local weather forecasts and near-real-time soil moisture data are still patchy in many regions. Some advanced monitoring devices remain relatively expensive for smallholders, and upfront costs of drip systems plus pumps can be a deterrent, even when long-term savings exist. Many research prototypes require field validation to prove reliability across seasons and water qualities. Additionally, institutional challenges such as coordinating subsidies, regulating groundwater pumping and ensuring service provision for repairs also contribute to weak outcomes.
Practical recommendations and the way forward
Addressing these gaps demands better data coverage, flexible financing or service models, and clear regulations that encourage efficient use rather than promote indiscriminate water pumping enabled by cheaper energy. Going forward, the impact of smart irrigation practices can be realised through programmes that combine spatial planning with field-level services. For instance, GIS layers can be used to prioritise high-benefit blocks for precision irrigation techniques such as drip and micro sprinklers and the use of solar pumps. Forecast-driven advisory can be deployed that connects to automatic pump controllers, and service provider models be promoted to lease equipment and manage maintenance for smallholders. Further, subsidy-based programmes such as PM-KUSUM should be paired with training in scheduling and soil moisture monitoring so that pumps are used efficiently. States can accelerate returns by supporting canal-top and community solar projects that cater to daytime irrigation needs and by integrating water body mapping into routine extension planning so that rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge complement smart irrigation investments. These steps can reduce financial barriers and ensure new technology translates into durable water savings rather than temporary fixes.
In the near future, the implementation of smart irrigation in India can move from isolated pilots to programme-scale action through a mix of these efforts. The combination of national data platforms, state solar and drip subsidy programmes, research-driven scheduling tools and affordable on-farm controllers creates a practical pathway to cut irrigation water use while supporting farmer incomes. Success will depend on filling data gaps, validating new devices in the field and designing financing and service models that make technology accessible to smallholders. When these elements come together, India can build irrigation systems that are water-wise, energy-smart and resilient to climate change.
Shubhangi Goswami
