September 2025 - Kshema General Insurance Limited

Crop

Water Need

Irrigation Count

Notes

Wheat

Medium

4–5 irrigations

Tillering and grain filling stages are crucial

Mustard

Low

2–3 irrigations

Avoid standing water; prefers light, well‑drained soil

Chickpeas

Very low

1–2 irrigations

Mostly rainfed; light irrigation around flowering stage

Lentils

Low

1–2 irrigations

Light irrigation during flowering and pod formation

Vegetables

Medium–high

Depends on crop

Drip irrigation recommended for uniform moisture and water saving

Why Smart Irrigation Matters in Rabi Season

Rabi season in India requires careful irrigation because crops like wheat, mustard and chickpeas depend on planned watering instead of monsoon rains. With falling groundwater levels and unpredictable weather, farmers need smart irrigation methods to save water and increase yields. This guide explains practical and affordable smart irrigation techniques for the Rabi season—such as drip systems, soil sensors, mulching and weather‑based scheduling—to help farmers boost productivity.

With increasing pressure on groundwater and unpredictable weather patterns, adopting efficient irrigation strategies is essential.

Water Requirements of Major Rabi Crops

Rabi Crops Water Requirement Chart

Understanding the water needs of each Rabi crop helps farmers plan irrigation more efficiently. This chart provides a simple overview of water requirements, irrigation frequency and key notes for major Rabi crops.

Crop	Water Need	Irrigation Count	Notes
Wheat	Medium	4–5 irrigations	Tillering and grain filling stages are crucial
Mustard	Low	2–3 irrigations	Avoid standing water; prefers light, well‑drained soil
Chickpeas	Very low	1–2 irrigations	Mostly rainfed; light irrigation around flowering stage
Lentils	Low	1–2 irrigations	Light irrigation during flowering and pod formation
Vegetables	Medium–high	Depends on crop	Drip irrigation recommended for uniform moisture and water saving

step-by-step irrigation plan

Simple Rabi Irrigation Plan

Do laser levelling before sowing
First irrigation at germination
Second irrigation at tillering/branching
Use weather forecast before watering
Apply mulch to reduce evaporation

Smart Irrigation Techniques for Rabi Season

Rabi crops such as wheat, barley, mustard, chickpeas, and lentils require precise water management. Over-irrigation can lead to waterlogging, root diseases, and nutrient leaching, while under-irrigation can stunt growth and reduce yields. Smart irrigation ensures:

Efficient water usage
Improved crop health
Reduced input costs
Higher yields per acre

With climate change affecting rainfall patterns and groundwater levels, farmers must shift from traditional flood irrigation to smarter, more sustainable methods.

1. Know Your Crop’s Water Requirements

Different Rabi crops have different water needs:

Wheat: 4–5 irrigations during its lifecycle
Mustard: 2–3 irrigations
Chickpeas: Minimal irrigation in rainfed areas
Lentils: Light irrigation at flowering and pod formation

Understanding critical growth stages—germination, tillering, flowering, and grain filling—helps schedule irrigation effectively and avoid unnecessary watering.

2. Use Soil Moisture Sensors

Soil moisture sensors measure actual moisture content and guide irrigation timing. Benefits include:

Preventing over-irrigation
Reducing water wastage
Enhancing root development
Improving fertiliser uptake

Affordable models are available via agri-extension centers and online platforms. Pairing sensors with mobile alerts or automated systems improves efficiency.

3. Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation

Flood irrigation wastes up to 40% of water. Drip and sprinkler systems deliver water directly to the root zone. Drip Irrigation:

Ideal for mustard and vegetables
Saves up to 60% water
Reduces weeds and erosion

Sprinkler Irrigation:

Suitable for wheat, barley, pulses
Ensures uniform distribution
Works well on uneven terrain

Government schemes like PMKSY offer subsidies—check with local agri offices.

4. Weather-Based Irrigation Scheduling

Use weather apps or agri-tech platforms to monitor:

Rainfall predictions
Temperature trends
Humidity levels
Wind speed

Avoid irrigating before expected rain and adjust schedules during cold spells to prevent frost damage.

5. Mulching to Reduce Evaporation

Mulching retains soil moisture and benefits crops like vegetables and pulses.

Reduces evaporation
Suppresses weeds
Regulates temperature
Improves soil structure

Use straw, dry leaves, sugarcane trash, or biodegradable films. Mulching complements drip irrigation by keeping the root zone moist longer.

6. Laser Land Levelling

Uneven fields cause water pooling and dry patches. Laser land levelling ensures uniformity.

Up to 30% water savings
Better fertiliser efficiency
Enhanced germination

Many FPOs and cooperatives offer shared access to equipment.

7.Irrigation Planning Apps

Mobile apps help farmers plan irrigation based on:

Crop type
Soil texture
Weather data
Growth stage

These tools offer calculators, reminders, and expert advice—ideal for small and marginal farmers.

Rainwater Harvesting for Rabi Season

Rainwater harvesting during monsoon supports Rabi season irrigation. Farm ponds and check dams store runoff.

Reduces groundwater use
Emergency supply during dry spells
Improves water table recharge

State governments offer financial aid under watershed development programs.

Crop Rotation to Reduce Water Stress

Smart irrigation includes smart cropping. Rotate water-intensive crops with drought-tolerant ones.

Rotate wheat with chickpeas or lentils
Intercrop mustard with peas or coriander

This conserves water, improves soil health, and diversifies income.

Kshema’s Support for Smart Irrigation Farmers

Crop insurance helps farmers recover losses when irrigation fails due to delayed rainfall, pump failure, drought or sudden cold waves during Rabi season.

Kshema’s crop insurance plans like Sukriti and Prakriti are designed to support farmers using smart irrigation by covering risks like drought, equipment failure, and delayed rainfall.

Explore:

Final Thoughts

Smart irrigation is essential for Rabi season because crops depend on controlled watering rather than monsoon rains. By using drip systems, soil sensors, mulching and weather‑based scheduling, farmers can save water, reduce costs and increase productivity. With Kshema’s crop insurance support, farmers also stay protected from irrigation‑related risks like drought or equipment failure.

For more insights on sustainable irrigation practices and government-backed initiatives, you can also explore this resource from the Federation of Seed Industry of India: Innovative Options for Sustainable Irrigation.

FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions): Rabi Season irrigation

1. What is the most water-efficient irrigation method for wheat during Rabi?

Sprinkler irrigation ensures uniform water use and saves significant water for wheat.

2. How can small farmers use mobile apps for Rabi irrigation?

Apps provide crop-wise schedules, weather alerts and irrigation reminders for farmers.

3. Is drip irrigation suitable for mustard in dry regions?

Yes, drip saves water and improves mustard yield in dry areas.

Disclaimer:

“We do not assume any liability for any actions undertaken based on the information provided here. The information gathered from various sources and are displayed here for general guidance and does not constitute any professional advice or warranty of any kind.”