The department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering was established in the year 1992 after bifurcation from the department of Soil and Water Management. Post Graduate programme leading to M. Tech. (Agril Engg) in Irrigation and Drainage Engineering was started in 1985 with intake capacity of 2 students every year excluding ICAR nominee. Post Graduate programme leading to Ph.D. (Agril Engg) in Irrigation and Drainage Engineering was started in 2009 with intake capacity of 2 students every year. Intake capacity of Post Graduate programme leading to M. Tech. (Agril Engg) and Ph.D. (Agril Engg) in Irrigation and Drainage Engineering was increased to 5 and 3 students every year, respectively, in 2010. The department has till now produced 90 M.Tech. students and 04 Ph.D. students.
The rainfall in vidarbha varies from 700 to 1300 mm. It is more in eastern Vidarbha than western Vidarbha. The percent irrigated area of vidarbha is 11%, but it is very less in western vidarbha. So the main focus is on research and extension so as to have better water management practices with perspective of more crop per drop. The various water saving techniques like micro-irrigation are demonstrated to farmers.
Irrigation and drainage engineering are crucial for modern agriculture, ensuring consistent crop production and sustainable water management. Irrigation provides water to crops when rainfall is insufficient, while drainage removes excess water to prevent waterlogging and salinity issues. These practices enhance crop yields, stabilize food production, and optimize water resource utilization.
Hence study of this subject is indispensable for modern agriculture, contributing to increased food production, efficient water management, and sustainable farming practices.
Irrigation and Drainage Engineers are having numerous job opportunities, particularly in agriculture, irrigation companies and water resource management. The field is constantly evolving with new technologies and approaches, creating a demand for professionals who are skilled in these areas.
- To undertake various courses related to Irrigation and Drainage Engg. for B. Tech. (Agril. Engg.), M. Tech. (Irrigation and Drainage Engg.) and Ph.D. (Irrigation and Drainage Engg.) students.
- To carry out need base research related to Irrigation and Drainage Engg.
- To monitor the research work carried out at various projects / farms related to Irrigation and Drainage Engg.
- To publish research outcomes in research journals, krishi patrika and news papers.
- To Train departmental officers and youths.
- To Participate in symposiums, seminar, exhibitions, shivar pheris, krishi melawas, charcha satras, consultancy project/schemes, services to the other departments and farmers.
- To provide service as Consultancy projects/schemes/services to the other department and farmers.
- To develop Human Resource Development for Industry/ State Deptt. / Private organization.
1) Number of Students Graduated
- M.Tech – 90
- PhD – 04
2) Sponsored Research Projects completed
| Project Title | Funding Agency |
| Determination of crop coefficient for major crops by lysimetric studies | PoCRA, Mumbai (Govt. of Maharashtra) |
| Canal lining for efficient use under the command area of Katepurna Project | INCID, New Delhi |
| Control of water logging and salinity of salt affected area of Purna Valley under command of Katepurna and Morna Project | |
| Design, development and testing of sub-surface drip irrigation system | |
| Liquid fertilizer trials on Onion, Papaya, Cotton, Orange and Sugarcane | JISL, Jalgaon |
| Design, development and testing of low cost efficient filter for drip irrigation | ASPEE, Mumbai |
Infrastructure Facilities
Following laboratories are set up in the department
| Laboratories | Size (m x m) |
|---|---|
| 1. Irrigation Engineering Laboratory cum Class Room | 9.8 x 11.0 |
| 2. Drainage Engineering Laboratory cum Class Room | 9.1 x 9.7 |
| 3. Fluid Mechanics Laboratory | 2.7 x 16.3 |
| Sr. No. | Name of equipment | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bernoulli’s Theorem Apparatus | Verification of Bernoulli’s Theorem |
| 2 | Raynold’s apparatus | Demonstration of streamlined and turbulent flow |
| 3 | Apparatus for determination of losses in pipe lines due to sudden enlargement, contraction, bends, elbows, etc. | To determine losses in pipe lines due to sudden enlargement, contraction, bends, elbows, etc. |
| 4 | Hydraulic ram | To determine efficiency of hydrum |
| 5 | Venturi meters | To determine coefficient of discharge |
| 6 | Venturi flume apparatus | To measure discharge |
| 7 | Double ring infiltrometer | To measure infiltration rate |
| 8 | Current meter | To measure flow velocity |
| 10 | Screw auger | To take soil sample |
| 11 | Post hole auger | To take soil sample |
| 12 | Electric oven | To dry soil sample |
| 13 | Electric balance | To weigh soil sample |
| 14 | Water analysis kit | To determine characteristics of water such as pH, EC etc |
| 15 | Water resistivity meter | To explore ground water |
| 16 | Water measuring structures | To measure flow discharge |
| 17 | Water meter | To measure flow discharge |
| 18 | Moisture meter | To measure soil moisture content |
| 19 | Gypsum blocks | To measure soil moisture content |
| 20 | Tensiometers | To measure soil moisture content |
| 21 | Aquaterr moisture probe | To measure soil moisture content |
| 22 | Cut throat flume | To measure flow discharge |
| 23 | Open pan evaporimeter | To measure evaporation |
| 24 | Stop watch | To measure time |
| 25 | Point gauges | To measure water level |
| 26 | Raingun | To sprinkle the water like rain in the field |
| 27 | Filters – Screen, Disc, Sand filter | To filter the water in micro-irrigation system |
| 28 | Fertilizer tank | To insert the fertilizer in micro-irrigation system |
| 29 | Ventury set | To insert the fertilizer in micro-irrigation system |
| 30 | Sand Tank Model | To determine drainable porosity |