Bangalore : Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. recently completed an Integrated Micro Irrigation Project near Shiggaon, Haveri District, Karnataka. This project was developed by JISL for making most efficient use of scarce water. The project was inaugurated today by the Karnataka Chief Minister Shri Jagadish Shivappa Shettar in the presence of a large number of dignitaries including the State Irrigation Minister,Shri Basavaraj Bommai at Village Halsur, Taluka Savanur in the Haveri District of Karnataka.

Shri Atul Bhau and Anil Bhau explaining the advantages of Sprinkler and Drip system to the dignitaries at the time of inauguration of Integrated Micro Irrigation Project automated Demo Plot at Shiggaon, Karnataka by the Chief Minister Of Karnataka Mr. Jagadish Shivappa Shettar

On this occasion the Chief Minister said that, “this project is the perfect solution for the state like Karnataka where more than 50% of the villages are drought prone.” The total project was valued at 168.30 crores.

On this occasion our Joint MD Mr. Ajit Jain Said, “JISL once again have proved its caliber and completed this very challenging and revolutionary project. Traditional way of using the water is a matter of worry as it results in wastage of water. The govt. here aimed to increase Water use capacity from traditional 35% to that of 55% where as we, with our most advanced technology has made it possible to increase it to 75%. Drip irrigation was the first agriculture revolution in India where as this could be considered as the second revolution in the field.”

This path-breaking project has been implemented by Karnataka Niravari Nigam Ltd., a Government of Karnataka Undertaking and it will cover three Talukas viz. Shiggaon, Savanur and Hanagal of State. It will benefit around 8200 farmers from nearly 30 villages where in farmers will be able to make the most efficient use of water. The project will rejuvenate and irrigate around 9900 hectors of land and help the farmers who do not have wells for irrigation. The water will be lifted at discharge rate of 6.135 cumec from Varada River with the help of 10616 HP pump sets and 2000 mm/1200 mm diameters and then delivered to six delivery chambers. This water will be provided to the farmers on equal basis and would be farmed with the help of sprinkler irrigation. The irrigation interval would be of five days to apply 14 mm of water to each farm and the crops would include sunflower, maize, groundnut, chilies, pluses and jowar. The very first project of its kind for collective farming through efficient use of water has become successful and set an ideal to be followed by other Indian states too.

The most specific feature is that JISL has pioneered the concept of Integrated Micro Irrigation concept and has provided all the services to the farmers, right from initial survey, planning, designing, construction, supply….n more to the irrigation schedule, and maintenance of the irrigation system for two years.