Groundnut is the most important crop in Andhra
Pradesh — especially in Ananthapur, Kurnool and
Kadapa districts. But one of the biggest challenges
groundnut farmers face is water management.
Traditional flood irrigation wastes enormous amounts
of water and leads to uneven crop growth. Drip
irrigation solves this problem completely.
In this guide we explain everything you need to
know about drip irrigation for groundnut farming
in Andhra Pradesh.
Why Groundnut Farmers in AP Need Drip Irrigation
Andhra Pradesh receives irregular rainfall and
groundnut is highly sensitive to both water stress
and waterlogging. Too much water causes root rot.
Too little water reduces pod formation.
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the
root zone in precise amounts — giving groundnut
plants exactly what they need, when they need it.
Key reasons AP groundnut farmers are switching
to drip irrigation:
- Ananthapur district receives only 550mm
average annual rainfall — one of the lowest
in AP - Groundwater levels are falling every year
across Rayalaseema region - Electricity costs for pumping are rising
- Government is actively promoting and
subsidising drip irrigation
Benefits of Drip Irrigation for Groundnut
Farmers across Andhra Pradesh who have switched
to drip irrigation for groundnut report these
benefits:
✅ Water Saving: 50–60% less water compared
to flood irrigation
✅ Higher Yield: 20–35% increase in groundnut
pod yield per acre
✅ Fertilizer Saving: Apply fertilizers directly
through drip system (fertigation) — saves
30% on fertilizer costs
✅ Less Weed Growth: Water goes only to crop
roots — weeds between rows get no water
✅ Uniform Crop Growth: Every plant gets equal
water — uniform pod size and maturity
✅ Lower Labour Cost: No need for flood
irrigation labour — saves ₹3,000–5,000
per acre per season
✅ Early Harvest: Consistent moisture leads
to 7–10 days earlier harvest
Which Drip Irrigation Pipe is Best
for Groundnut?
For groundnut farming in Andhra Pradesh,
the best choice is Drip Flat Tape.
Here is why:
- Groundnut is a row crop — flat tape is
designed specifically for row crops - Easy to lay between groundnut rows
- Lightweight — easy to roll out and
roll back after harvest - Cost-effective — lowest price per metre
compared to other drip systems - Available in multiple sizes to match
your row spacing
Recommended specifications for groundnut:
Size: 16mm flat drip tape
Thickness: 0.3mm or above for longer life
Emitter spacing: 30cm or 20cm
Discharge: 2 LPH (litres per hour)
Row spacing: As per your groundnut variety
How to Install Drip Irrigation for Groundnut — Step by Step
Step 1 — Main Pipeline
Lay the HDPE main pipeline from your
water source (borewell or canal) to
the field.
Step 2 — Sub Main Pipeline
Connect sub-main HDPE pipes along the
length of your field.
Step 3 — Filter Unit
Install a filter unit (sand filter +
screen filter) at the beginning of
the system. This prevents clogging
of drippers.
Step 4 — Lay Flat Tape
Lay drip flat tape along each
groundnut row. Connect one end to
the sub-main pipe using a start
connector.
Step 5 — Close the End
Fold and tie the other end of each
flat tape to prevent water from
flowing out.
Step 6 — Test the System
Run water through the system and
check that all emitters are working
uniformly with no leaks.
Step 7 — Fertigation (Optional)
Install a venturi injector or
fertilizer tank to apply water-soluble
fertilizers directly through the
drip system.
How Much Water Does Groundnut Need with Drip Irrigation?
Water requirement for groundnut with
drip irrigation in AP conditions:
| Crop Stage | Daily Water Need |
|---|---|
| Germination | 2–3 mm/day |
| Vegetative stage | 3–4 mm/day |
| Flowering stage | 4–5 mm/day |
| Pod filling stage | 4–5 mm/day |
| Maturity stage | 2–3 mm/day |
Run your drip system for 1–2 hours
per day depending on soil type and
weather conditions.
Sandy soils in Ananthapur and Kurnool
districts require more frequent
irrigation (2 times daily) with
shorter duration.
Government Subsidy for Drip Irrigation on Groundnut in AP
Great news for groundnut farmers —
the Government of Andhra Pradesh
provides up to 90% subsidy on drip
irrigation systems under the PMKSY
scheme.
This means:
- Small and marginal farmers pay
only 10% of total cost - General farmers pay only 25%
- SC/ST farmers get up to 90% subsidy
For example — if your drip system
costs ₹50,000:
- You pay only ₹5,000 (small farmer)
- Government pays ₹45,000
Contact Ramanaiah Industries for a
free quotation for your subsidy
application — Call 9440732519
Cost of Drip Irrigation for Groundnut per Acre in AP
Approximate cost of drip irrigation
for 1 acre of groundnut in Andhra
Pradesh:
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Drip flat tape (16mm) | ₹4,000–6,000 |
| Main HDPE pipeline | ₹2,000–3,000 |
| Sub-main pipeline | ₹1,500–2,500 |
| Filter unit | ₹2,500–4,000 |
| Connectors/fittings | ₹1,000–1,500 |
| Installation labour | ₹1,000–2,000 |
| ———————– | ———- |
| Total (approx.) | ₹12,000–19,000 |
After 90% government subsidy:
You pay only ₹1,200–1,900 per acre!
These prices are approximate and vary
based on field size and specifications.
Call us for an exact quote for your farm.
Frequently Asked Questions — Drip Irrigation for Groundnut in AP
Q: Is drip irrigation suitable for groundnut in black cotton soil?
A: Yes. Drip irrigation works well in all soil types including black cotton soil common in AP. Adjust irrigation frequency — black cotton soil retains water longer so you can irrigate less frequently than sandy soil.
Q: How many seasons does drip flat tape last for groundnut?
A: Good quality UV-stabilized flat tape lasts 3–5 seasons with proper care. Thicker tape (0.6mm and above) lasts longer. Always roll up and store tape after harvest.
Q: Can I use the same drip system for other crops after groundnut?
A: Yes. After groundnut harvest, the same HDPE main and sub-main pipeline can be reused for the next crop. Only the flat tape may need replacement depending on condition.
Q: Which districts in AP are best for drip irrigation on groundnut?
A: Drip irrigation is most beneficial in water-scarce districts — Ananthapur, Kurnool, Kadapa, Nellore and Prakasam. These districts have low rainfall and falling groundwater levels.
Get Drip Irrigation Pipes for Your Groundnut Farm
Ramanaiah Industries manufactures
high-quality drip flat tapes and HDPE
pipes specifically suited for groundnut
farming in Andhra Pradesh.
✅ BIS-certified quality
✅ Factory-direct pricing
✅ Fast delivery across all AP districts
✅ Free irrigation layout guidance
✅ Help with government subsidy application
📞 Call / WhatsApp: 9440732519
📧 Email: info@ramanaiahindsturies.com
📍 Ananthapur, Andhra Pradesh
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