Fertigation can help sustainably grow more food in a changing climate while radically reducing the use of precious resources such as water and minimising nutrient losses to the environment. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

Fertigation (Fertilisers + Irrigation) involves targeting application of water - along with minerals like Potassium, Calcium etc. Rise by climate change to agriculture: 1. Decrease yield 2. Changed rainfall pattern 3. Increase pests 4. Drought/aridity 5. Water shortage Sustainable agriculture: - more crop per drop - effective utilisation of resources like water, fertilisers - more yield - pest resistant crops - climate change resisting

Fertigation as effective tool: i Precision agriculture with targeted delivery of water, nutrients, moisture and ensure minimum wastage. ii Water conservation by reducing water wastage and effective delivery iii Drip irrigation - for effective & efficient fertiliser deposit. iv Enhanced productivity - where previously unnotched regions produce more crops challenges: - High capital & costly machinery - Upfront cost & maintenance - Training end users - farmers in newer technology - Clogging of pipes By addressing above challenges, effective newer technologies can be adopted.