CASE STUDY
KHAMERA MICRO LIFT IRRIGATION PROJECT
Pipeline Design for Micro Irrigation Project in Semi-Arid Region – Rajasthan, India
Project Overview
Location :
Banswara District, Rajasthan, India.
Objective :
Improve water use efficiency in agriculture by transitioning from open canal irrigation to piped micro irrigation (drip/sprinkler systems).
CCA :
7011 Hectares.
Main Crops :
Soyabean in Kharif and wheat, Gram, Mustard in Rabi.
Funding :
Government-sponsored scheme (PMKSY – Per Drop More Crop) - WRD Rajasthan.
Pre-Design Assessment
Topographic Survey :
Conducted to assess elevation and determine gravity flow feasibility.
Soil and Crop Analysis :
Improve water use efficiency in agriculture by transitioning from open canal irrigation to piped micro irrigation (drip/sprinkler systems).
Water Source :
A check dam on a seasonal river with an electric pump lifting to a storage tank.
Farmer Consultation :
To ensure community buy-in and equitable water distribution.
Pipeline Design Specifications
Materials used :
DI (Ductile Iron) and HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene).
Rising Mains :
Diameter: 400 mm to 800 mm DI; Length: 30.89 km; Pressure Rating: 6-10 kg/cm².
Sub-Mains and Laterals :
Sub-Main: 90 mm to 280 mm depending on area served; Laterals: 16 mm to 25 mm PE for drippers/sprinklers.
Design Flow Rate :
Based on peak crop water requirement (3.75 litre per second per hectare).
Hydraulic Design Criteria
Pressure Head :
Maintained using pressure-regulating valves at branch junctions.
Friction Loss Calculation :
Using Modified Hazen-Williams equation.
Flow Velocity :
Kept below 1.25 m/s to avoid surge pressure and water hammer.
Layout :
Grid-type distribution for uniform pressure and ease of maintenance.
Implementation
Phased Execution :
Divided into zones (MIS I-IV) for sequential implementation.
Trenching and Laying :
Manual excavation for laterals, machine trenching for mains.
Valves and Fittings :
Air release valves at high points & at every 500 m; Isolation Valves at 1500 to 2000 M, Scour Valves at 1500 to 2000 M nearby River, Nalla, etc.
Automation :
SCADA Integration.
Results and Impact
Equity :
Timely water access across all farmers, including tail-enders.
Maintenance cost :
Reduced due to buried pipelines and minimal evaporation loss.
Farmer satisfaction :
High participation and cost-sharing for future expansions.
No. of Beneficiaries :
6966 Farmers
No. of benefited villages :
61
Water Use Reduction
40% less compared to open channels
25% – 30% increase in crop yield
Economic Benefit
Farm Income
Dependency on monsoon rain
Job opportunities for local communities
Conclusion
The pipeline design for the micro-irrigation project demonstrated how proper hydraulic planning, quality materials, and farmer involvement can drastically improve irrigation efficiency, crop yield, and resource sustainability in water-scarce regions.
KHAMERA MICRO LIFT IRRIGATION PROJECT
Pipeline Design for Micro Irrigation Project in Semi-Arid Region – Rajasthan, India
Project Overview
Location :
Banswara District, Rajasthan, India.
Objective :
Improve water use efficiency in agriculture by transitioning from open canal irrigation to piped micro irrigation (drip/sprinkler systems).
CCA :
7011 Hectares.
Main Crops :
Soyabean in Kharif and wheat, Gram, Mustard in Rabi.
Funding :
Government-sponsored scheme (PMKSY – Per Drop More Crop) - WRD Rajasthan.
Pre-Design Assessment
Topographic Survey :
Conducted to assess elevation and determine gravity flow feasibility.
Soil and Crop Analysis :
Improve water use efficiency in agriculture by transitioning from open canal irrigation to piped micro irrigation (drip/sprinkler systems).
Water Source :
A check dam on a seasonal river with an electric pump lifting to a storage tank.
Farmer Consultation :
To ensure community buy-in and equitable water distribution.
Pipeline Design Specifications
Materials used :
DI (Ductile Iron) and HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene).
Rising Mains :
Diameter: 400 mm to 800 mm DI; Length: 30.89 km; Pressure Rating: 6-10 kg/cm².
Sub-Mains and Laterals :
Sub-Main: 90 mm to 280 mm depending on area served; Laterals: 16 mm to 25 mm PE for drippers/sprinklers.
Design Flow Rate :
Based on peak crop water requirement (3.75 litre per second per hectare).
Hydraulic Design Criteria
Pressure Head :
Maintained using pressure-regulating valves at branch junctions.
Friction Loss Calculation :
Using Modified Hazen-Williams equation.
Flow Velocity :
Kept below 1.25 m/s to avoid surge pressure and water hammer.
Layout :
Grid-type distribution for uniform pressure and ease of maintenance.
Implementation
Phased Execution :
Divided into zones (MIS I-IV) for sequential implementation.
Trenching and Laying :
Manual excavation for laterals, machine trenching for mains.
Valves and Fittings :
Air release valves at high points & at every 500 m; Isolation Valves at 1500 to 2000 M, Scour Valves at 1500 to 2000 M nearby River, Nalla, etc.
Automation :
SCADA Integration.
Results and Impact
Equity :
Timely water access across all farmers, including tail-enders.
Maintenance cost :
Reduced due to buried pipelines and minimal evaporation loss.
Farmer satisfaction :
High participation and cost-sharing for future expansions.
No. of Beneficiaries :
6966 Farmers
No. of benefited villages :
61
Water Use Reduction
40% less
Compared to open channels
25% – 30% increase in crop yield
Economic Benefit
Farm Income
Dependency on monsoon rain
Job opportunities for local communities