11 Ways India Can Improve Food Sustainability (Practical Lessons for Kitchens and Farms)

5. Improve irrigation efficiency: drip and micro-irrigation

Water scarcity is one of Asia’s biggest farming challenges, so improving irrigation efficiency is critical (Oliver Wyman, 2025). Drip and micro-irrigation systems deliver water directly to roots and can cut water use substantially while protecting yields. Subsidy programs and low-interest finance have helped smallholders adopt these systems in many parts of India. Practical steps include organizing water-user groups, sharing pump and drip-kit rentals, and training farmers on maintenance. Combining soil moisture monitoring with targeted irrigation reduces waste. For households, simple tools like mulch and careful watering schedules mimic efficient irrigation on a small scale. Policymakers should prioritize upgrading distribution systems and ensuring equitable access, especially for rainfed and marginal farmers. The technology is not a silver bullet, but paired with training and community management it offers a measurable way to protect water and secure crops in dry seasons.