A stakeholder interface programme on “Effective use of microirrigation technology”  was organized by Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) at Madikkai in Kasaragod District on 10.05.2012. Different stakeholders including farmers, officers of the Department of Agriculture, scientists of CPCRI, dealers of drip irrigation equipments, representatives of drip irrigation equipment manufacturers and people’s representatives participated in the interface programme.

The programme was organized in the background of the research conducted by CPCRI among the farmers in Kannur and Kasaragod Districts which revealed that many farmers who adopted the drip irrigation system with the subsidy availed under schemes to promote microirrigation discontinued the technology after few years.   Even among the farmers who continued to adopt the drip irrigation technology, the extent of adoption of recommended practices for drip irrigation technology was low which has resulted in low irrigation efficiency as reflected by the indicators of technical performance of the irrigation system. Clogging of the emitters and many other constraints resulted in discontinuance of the drip irrigation technology by farmers.

The interface programme discussed various issues associated with proper adoption of recommended practices for effective use of drip irrigation technology. In the interface programme it was concluded that extension efforts to create awareness among farmers for adopting recommended practices and timely technical guidance are essential for proper maintenance of drip irrigation system in farmers’ field. Coordinated efforts involving farmers , extension personnel, researchers and dealers of equipments are needed to ensure the effective use of microirrigation technology.

The interface programme was inaugurated by Mrs. S. Preetha, President, Madikkai grama panchayat. Mrs. K. Sajanimol, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Kanhangad Block, presided over the inaugural function. Dr. A. C. Mathew, and Dr. C. Thamban, Sr. Scientists CPCRI made presentations. After the presentation and discussion,  field visit was arranged to drip irrigated coconut garden and demonstration was conducted in the farmers’ garden on proper cleaning of filters and other methods to avoid clogging.   Mr. Sunilkumar, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Nileswar Block offered felicitations. Dr. K. Muralidharan, Head, Division of Social Sciences, CPCRI welcomed the gathering and Dr. C. Thamban, Sr. Scientist proposed vote of thanks.