India's water challenge is also an economic challenge. Severe El Nino conditions can weaken the monsoon, reduce agricultural output, fuel food inflation and impose cumulative economic losses approaching $1 tn (₹95.6 lakh cr) over time. In a country where agriculture consumes nearly 80% of available freshwater, climate adaptation is no longer just an environmental priority but an economic necessity.
Recognising this, GoI has approved a plan to bring another 100 lakh ha under micro-irrigation through the revamped PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). The target is timely. But achieving it will require more than expanding subsidies. It'll require solving India's biggest irrigation challenge, which is farmer adoption.
