Vol. 9, Special Issue 12, Part F (2025)

The study, conducted in 2023-24 in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh, evaluated the economic viability of drip irrigation among vegetable growers in selected villages. Farmers were categorized as drip adopters and non-adopters, and primary data were collected from 50 respondents through interviews and analyzed using cost-benefit tools. Results showed that drip irrigation significantly improved water-use efficiency (saving up to 60%), reduced labor costs, and increased crop yields and income, particularly for high-value crops like tomato and brinjal.

Despite these benefits, challenges such as high initial investment, limited technical support, and delays in subsidies hinder wider adoption. The study concludes that drip irrigation is both a water-saving and economically sustainable practice, with strong potential to enhance farm profitability and promote sustainable agriculture in water-stressed regions.