25) USE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY OR MAKING PHYSICAL PROTOTYPE FOR MICRO IRRIGATION SYSTEM TO IMPROVE WATER USE EFFICIENCY OF IRRIGATION SECTOR.

"India's ground water (GW) levels are critically low, owing to erratic monsoon rains and over extraction of water for irrigation, with agriculture accounting for 90% of India's G more than 30 million irrigation pumps. These irrigation systems are inefficient with poor water flow control, which over-extracts GW and over irrigation of fields. This wastes water and reduces crop yields. At the same time it wastes energy in pumping water and this leads to higher CO2 emissions. 10 millions of these pumps rely on diesel fuel, while the rest are powered by subsidized electricity which is coal-fired, using more than 18% of all electricity generated in India (Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency). Agriculture sustains 50% of Indian households, and low GW levels threaten livelihoods and food security. Water scarcity is inextricably linked to extreme poverty and conflict and has a profound impact on the social welfare of people with an estimated 330 million people suffering acute water shortages. Improving the efficiency of the irrigation systems will reduce pressure on ground water and also cut energy consumption and carbon emissions. This has prompted the Indian Government to prioritize drought proofing and usage of précised irrigation systems"