Nepal Irrigation Management Information System

NIMIS aims to establish a functional and continuous national irrigation database management system.

With the majority of land being forests and limited agricultural suitable areas, effective irrigation management is essential. Interconnected social, technical, agricultural, economic, and institutional data are continuously generated, necessitating proper documentation and digitalization.

Farmer Managed Irrigation Systems

Nepal is renowned for its tradition of Farmer Managed Irrigation Systems (FMIS), which involve collective engagement of farmers in irrigated agricultural development. These systems, ranging from highlands to mid-hills and the Terai region, provide irrigation services to approximately 70 percent of the country's total irrigated area.

FMIS in Nepal are location-specific and reflect indigenous management practices, tailored to meet local organizational needs. These systems represent grassroots democratic institutions where communities take responsibility for natural resource management and allocation. FMIS play a crucial role in the sustainable management and development of Nepal's natural resources, with water being the most precious among them.

Agency Managed Irrigation Systems

An "Agency Managed Irrigation System" (AMIS) is a centralized irrigation approach where water resources are supervised and directed by a designated agency or organization, rather than individual farmers or local communities.

This system provides benefits of centralized planning and technical expertise but may face challenges in addressing individual farmer needs, leading to transparency issues and limited farmer participation. Each region may implement agency-managed systems differently, considering their unique institutional, political, and cultural contexts. Despite its drawbacks, AMIS plays a crucial role in efficient water allocation and infrastructure development, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

Ground Water Irrigation Systems

A groundwater irrigation system is a method of supplying water to crops using underground water sources, such as wells, boreholes, or tube wells. This system is widely used in areas where surface water (like rivers or lakes) is insufficient or unavailable. Groundwater irrigation systems are one of the major components of irrigation development.

Groundwater irrigation is a critical component of global agriculture, especially in regions with unreliable rainfall or limited surface water sources. Research has shown that groundwater irrigation plays a crucial role in global food security, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where surface water resources are scarce. However, challenges such as groundwater depletion, energy consumption, and sustainability concerns remain significant in the context of climate change and variability.

Lift & Non-conventional Projects

The Non-Conventional Irrigation Technology Project (NITP) was established in 2003 to develop and promote innovative irrigation technologies beyond traditional methods, particularly in regions where conventional irrigation systems are impractical. These areas often face challenges such as steep slopes, limited water availability.

NITP prioritizes the implementation of efficient irrigation technologies, especially in hilly and under-irrigated regions, to support high-value crop cultivation. The project is recognized by the Department of Water Resource and Irrigation (DWRI) of Nepal as a key initiative for enhancing agricultural productivity in areas unsuitable for conventional irrigation. By emphasizing high application efficiency.