 | Using Water Efficiently: Technological Options (WB, 1993, 61 p.) |
 |  | Measures to improve efficiency: Technological options |
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Cost comparisons of sprinkler and drip systems
Three examples in India, U.S. and Israel can give an indication of the costs involved in installing and operating these modern technologies.
Table 8 presents estimates of costs of alternative irrigation systems in the U.S. (California), Israel and India. The capital costs of sprinkler systems in the United States average at $2,000/ha, which is slightly lower than $2,200/ha in the Israel, but much higher than $800-900/ha in India. The annual costs of sprinkler systems in the United States is $440/ha, compared with $580/ha in Israel.
Table 8 Costs of Alternative Irrigation Systems in U.S. (California), Israel and India (SOS/ha)
|
Method of |
Initial costs |
Annual costs | ||||
|
Irrigation |
U.S. |
Israel |
India |
U.S. |
Israel | |
|
Sprinkler: | |
| | | | |
|
wheel line |
1,620 |
-- |
-- |
350 |
-- | |
|
center pivot |
2,400 |
-- |
-- |
390 |
-- | |
|
hand move |
1,150 |
-- |
790/900 |
410 |
-- | |
| |
field crops |
-- |
1,220 |
-- |
-- |
170/350 |
| |
truck crops |
-- |
2,700 |
-- |
-- |
500/850 |
| |
citrus trees |
-- |
1,600 |
-- |
-- |
350/850 |
|
tow move |
1,500 |
1,400 |
-- |
510 |
250/550 | |
|
permanent set |
3,340 |
-- |
-- |
550 | | |
| |
truck crops |
-- |
4,120 |
-- |
-- |
700/1,200 |
|
Average |
2,000 |
2,200 |
850 |
440 |
580 | |
|
Drip: | | | | | | |
|
fruit trees |
-- |
-- |
460/710 |
-- |
-- | |
|
crops & vege. |
-- |
-- |
890/1,430 |
-- |
-- | |
|
Surface: | |
| | | | |
|
Border checks |
1,400 |
-- |
-- |
300 |
-- | |
|
Furrows |
1,000 |
-- |
-- |
480 |
- | |
Source: Hillel, 1987; a) El-Hanbali, 1992
In India, a recent survey (El-Hanbali, 1992) shows that the capital cost of the widely used portable sprinkler system is Rs.10,000-12,000/ha (about US$360 430 at Rs.28.0/US$ exchange rate) excluding pumps and motors, and Rs.22,000-25,000/ha (US$790-900/ha) including pumps and motors. Drip irrigation systems cost Rs.13,000-20,000/ha (US$460-710/ha) for fruit trees, and Rs.25,000-40,000/ha (US$890-1,430/ha) for row crops and vegetables. The range of costs largely depends on spacing and the type of equipment used. Most of the areas were developed by the private sector using subsidies from the Government. The Government has been promoting the use of these modern technologies by giving capital subsidies to small farmers in several States, such as Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The current value of the subsidy for using drip irrigation is 50 percent of capital costs. The installation of both drip and sprinkler systems has been expanded quickly in these states as a result of effective policies, incentives and financial subsidies.
The benefits of applying these modern technologies include potential savings in water, fertilizer, and possible increases in crop yields. The total benefits estimated in the study in India was at Rs.6,000-20,000per ha per year (about US$200-700), depending on crops and market prices. The high capital cost of installation is justified in the United States and Israel by intensive cultivation of high-valued cash crops. The ready availability of qualified personnel, technical services and spare parts help the adoption of these technological improvements.
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