International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
D Abila Doss and M Asokhan

abstract
Drip irrigation, a resource-efficient and sustainable method of water delivery directly to the root zone, has proven to be a valuable agricultural technology, particularly in water-scarce regions such as Tamil Nadu, India. Despite its benefits in enhancing crop yield, conserving water, and improving nutrient management, the adoption of drip irrigation systems remains suboptimal among small and marginal farmers. Several socio-economic, technical, and institutional challenges hinder its widespread implementation. This study investigates the key constraints experienced by farmers in Tamil Nadu under the Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization Project (TN-IAMP) and offers farmer-driven suggestions to overcome these barriers. A total of 559 respondents across eight major sub-basins—including Aliyar, Lower Vellar, Sathiyar, Sirumalaiyar, and parts of the Cauvery Delta—were surveyed using a structured interview schedule. The results, analyzed through frequency and ranking methods, reveal that the most pressing constraints include high initial investment costs, inadequate access to credit and subsidies, lack of technical knowledge, and limited availability of maintenance services and quality materials. To address these issues, farmers suggested a multifaceted strategy encompassing five key domains: (1) financial support through government-backed low-interest loans and streamlined subsidy access, (2) cost reduction via local manufacturing and price control mechanisms, (3) quality assurance with anti-clogging materials and enforced standards, (4) innovations such as solar-powered systems and durable components, and (5) education and motivation through training, peer learning, and success story dissemination. The study emphasizes the need for a coordinated effort among policymakers, agricultural institutions, financial bodies, and private stakeholders to implement these farmer-driven recommendations. Strengthening institutional frameworks, improving technology access, and building farmer capacity are essential to enhancing drip irrigation adoption, thus contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and water resource management in Tamil Nadu.