About Irrigation Association of India
The Irrigation Association of India (IAI) stands as a beacon in the agricultural landscape, established in 1999 with a noble mission—to champion the cause of farmers through Micro Irrigation Systems (MIS) in India. As a not-for-profit body, it dedicates itself to the successful implementation of these systems, aiming to revolutionize farming practices for the betterment of those who toil the land.
One of IAI's remarkable facets is its collaboration with the Central and State Governments, showcasing a strong partnership aimed at fostering innovation and progress in irrigation techniques. The Association's impact is palpable through its robust presence in various states, facilitated by IAI State Chapters strategically located across Maharashtra, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Jharkhand, and the North Eastern Region.
Through its tireless efforts and strategic alliances, the IAI stands as a beacon of hope, ushering in a new era of sustainable agriculture by making Micro Irrigation Systems more accessible and beneficial for farmers across the nation.
Objectives
- To provide a single point of reference to all stakeholders in water management in Agriculture
- To facilitate the market transformation of water-saving technologies and contribute to national water soil conservation
- To promote, develop proper use and acceptance of irrigation equipment for more economical crop production through the use of micro irrigation systems.
- To collect and disseminate information regarding Irrigation Industry
- To conduct the educational & training programs for the irrigation industry promoting the water conserving technologies.
- To promote research & development and allied services. please rephrase make for putting on website
Membership Benefits
Research Publications
IAI published a research paper in 2016 in collaboration with knowledge partner Grant Thornton on “Accelerating Growth of Indian Agriculture: Micro Irrigation an efficient solution,” presented to the Agriculture Ministry in Delhi.
IAI published another Research paper in 2020 “Har Boond Ki Takaat” Doubling Farmer’s Income Through Per Drop More Crop Scheme, in collaboration with E&Y.
Strategic Initiatives
These Strategy Papers suggested innovative plans for leapfrogging growth in MI, bringing transparency, close monitoring, and ease of operation of PMKSY in line with JAM TRINITY.
The second edition of IAI MI Industry Directory published in 2020 for the benefit of Members & other stakeholders.
Monthly newsletters are being published for the benefit of members.
IAI dynamic website is just being launched, which will be mobile-friendly & social media linked. E-Newsletters & technical journals will be published through this web.
IAI Key Achievements
Strategic Impact on PMKSY
The 2016 strategy paper, coupled with IAI’s close follow-ups with the Central Government, resulted in the issuance of PMKSY Guidelines on time, i.e., on 31.03.2017 followed by 2021 & 2023 issue, incorporating many salient features requested by MI companies from all over India.
Government Engagement
MOA&FW invited IAI in 2020 to their steering committee as a member of the Unit Cost Norms subcommittee to give MI Industry recommendations for the changes suggested for the issuance of new PMKSY Guidelines in 2021. Most recommendations of IAI have been accepted by the Government. Price escalation formula derived on the basis of WPI, and same is agreed to be reviewed by the Govt. after reasonable intervals.
1. GST Advocacy and Reduction:
Representation and Coordination:
Several representations made by IAI at various levels in Central & State Govt. as well as GST Council members directly for justified categorization in GST.
The final GST declaration was 18%, and several subsequent follow-ups with GST Council and Central/State Govt. resulted in a reduction of GST to 12%. (with input tax credit benefit)
IAI's efforts resulted in the withdrawal of advance ruling and payment of GST by the Govt. on subsidy in Karnataka to avail benefit of Input credits by MI companies.
2. BIS Advocacy and Standards Amalgamation
Financial Relief and Cost Reduction:
After long persuasion of IAI during 2013-14, unit BIS changed the price of the emitting pipe system from Rs. 3.90/100 Mt. to Rs. 0.35/Kg, thereby giving large financial relief to all MI Companies. Savings…₹ 8.8L /year/extrusion lines
BIS Unit cost reduction obtained in 2017 for BIS marking fees for Sprinklers from Rs.1.50/unit to Rs.0.95/unit…. Savings ₹ 1.65 Lacs per year per extrusion line.
During 2023 representations made to BIS for the reduction of marking Fees for Irrigation Laterals, Sprinkler Polyethylene Pipes, and Rotating Sprinklers….. Savings ₹2.25 Lacs/year/extrusion lines.
Standards Amalgamation:
With continuous efforts from IAI, during 2021, IS:14151 PART-1 (Bare pipes) & IS:14151 PART-2 (coupled pipes with couplers), two Indian standards for Sprinkler pipes are amalgamated, and a new standard formed IS:17425:2020.
Amalgamation of two standards to a single standard would save manufacturers huge amounts per annum, between 40 – 60% (value approx. Rs 3 lakh to Rs 8 lakh per annum), depending on the volume of manufacture, for paying one-time marking fee instead of twice.
3. BIS Standardization Cell Constituted
IAI Policy Advocacy
Engagement with Authorities:
IAI representations are regularly made to various authorities: Govt. of India- PMO, MOA&FW, Finance Ministry, Ministry of MSME, NITI AAYOG, Finance Commission, State Governments, NCPAH on contemporary issues being faced by Micro Irrigation Industry at large.
IAI regularly pitched for more transparency, online portal-driven operations, dedicated work force for MI, time-line-driven workflow along with timely payments, with all State Governments.
IAI representatives regularly attend various summits and exhibitions related to this industry in India.
Appointment of PMU (program Management Unit) at the Central Agriculture Ministry for monitoring and achieving leapfrogging growth in MI penetration in India, with better monitoring and better coordination between Central & State Governments.
Played a crucial role in resolving the PFMS related issue to release the payment from Central to Govt. of Gujarat
