Market Trends of India Agricultural Irrigation Machinery Industry
Rising Protected Cultivation in the Country
The rapid growth of protected cultivation in India has significantly boosted the demand for specialized irrigation equipment. Controlled environments allow year-round crop production, driving the need for efficient water delivery systems within these structures.
As of 2022, the area under protected cultivation in India reached 251 thousand hectares, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. This growth is fueled by government initiatives such as subsidies and awareness programs. For instance, the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) offers a credit-linked subsidy covering 50% of project costs, up to USD 629.7 thousand (Rs 56 lakh), for horticulture projects over 2,500 square meters. This includes greenhouse infrastructure, irrigation systems, and other necessary components. Drip irrigation has become the preferred choice for greenhouses due to its ability to deliver water directly to plant roots, reducing waste and improving nutrient absorption. This, combined with advancements in micro-irrigation, has significantly enhanced the efficiency of protected farming.
The rising demand for greenhouse irrigation machinery presents a key opportunity for manufacturers in India. As the sector expands, there is a growing need for innovative, cost-effective solutions that increase productivity and support sustainable farming practices. By investing in research and development, manufacturers can create products that align with farmers' evolving needs and contribute to the long-term success of Indian agriculture.
Increasing Adoption of Micro Irrigation Systems
Micro-irrigation systems, particularly drip irrigation, have become increasingly popular in India's agriculture sector. These systems deliver water directly to plant roots, addressing the need for efficient water management, increased crop yields, and reduced labor costs. India Water Portal reports indicate that the area under micro-irrigation in India increased from 9.3 million hectares in 2020 to 12.3 million hectares in 2023.
The adoption of micro-irrigation is widespread across various regions of India. As of 2022-2023, Rajasthan leads in micro-irrigation coverage at 21.67% of its agricultural area, followed by Maharashtra (16.35%), Andhra Pradesh (14.96%), Karnataka (10.89%), and Gujarat (10.67%). Other states with significant micro-irrigation adoption include Haryana (7.37%), Madhya Pradesh (4.53%), Tamil Nadu (4.12%), Chhattisgarh (3.3%), Bihar (1.31%), and Odisha (1.29%).
The increasing adoption of micro-irrigation systems is anticipated to positively impact India's agriculture irrigation machinery market. As farmers invest more in these systems, the demand for related equipment, including pumps, filters, and other components, is projected to increase during the forecast period.
