Potential use of water saved with the technification of gravity irrigation in non-agricultural sectors

Abstract

Objective: Conceptually analyze the potential use of water that the technification of gravity irrigation allows to save and generate alternatives of use according to the extrapolation of volumes, both in the same agricultural sector, or outside it.

Design/methodology/approach: The Technified Gravity Irrigation Program (RIGRAT) will be evaluated. By measuring the volumes of irrigation used in the Irrigation Districts (DR) 075 Rio Fuerte, 076 Valle del Carrizo and 063 Guasave, Sinaloa, during the 2015-2018 agricultural cycles. The measured and statistical data are integrated for the analysis of volumes saved by the program and its national statistical projection.

Results: In 6,114.5 ha under technification of the RIGRAT program in DR 075, the volume saved was 2,401.02 thousand m³ (2.4 hm³). The volume of water saved on that surface represents 10% of the water used by the industrial sector of Sinaloa. It is inferred that the modernization of the DR075 Rio Fuerte in the planted area of 289,780 ha, would imply a saving of 40% of the water that can be used in urban areas of Sinaloa. In the same agricultural sector, it would be possible to save a volume of 187 thousand m³, which means 6.4% of the water used by the irrigation district at plot level.

Limitations on study/implications: Current regulations do not allow the transfer of water volume in its different uses, with the aim of optimizing the value of water.

Findings/conclusions: With actions implemented in the RIGRAT program, it represents that achieving water savings at the farm level would have a great impact, since agriculture is the main consumer of water and there could be volumes saved to be used in other sectors.