GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Irrigation Industry Statistics

The irrigation industry statistics provide insights into the global production, consumption, and trends of irrigation systems and technologies.

Highlights: Irrigation Industry Statistics

  • According to the United States Geological Survey, irrigation accounted for just under 37% of total U.S. freshwater withdrawals in 2015.
  • In 2015, 83.4% of irrigated farms in the United States used wells as their water source.
  • The global smart irrigation market size was valued at USD 1.0 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 2.1 billion by 2025.
  • The global agricultural irrigation machinery market size was valued at USD 4.1 billion in 2019.
  • China is the worldwide leader for irrigated area, with 69 million hectares in 2012.
  • World Bank data shows that as of 2014, India had the highest net irrigated agricultural area at 66.1 million hectares.
  • Between 2013 and 2017, approximately 2.07 million acres of farmland were converted to use micro-irrigation systems in the United States.
  • About 39% of U.S. irrigated farms reported using sprinklers, surface (flood), or drip (micro) systems in 2018.
  • Surface water makes up 58% of the total irrigated water sources worldwide.
  • Agricultural irrigation accounted for 91% of consumptive water use in the western United States.
  • A report indicated a total of 231,259 farms in the United States were irrigated, covering 55.9 million acres in 2017.
  • In 2018, the average irrigation application rate on U.S. farms was 1.5 acre-feet per acre.
  • Farmers used 4.7 trillion gallons of water for field crops across 27 million acres of land in the United States in 2013.
  • In 2018, it was reported that 16% of all irrigated farmland in the United States used drip irrigation systems.
  • In 2018, 61% of irrigated farmland in the United States utilized pressure-piped systems.

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The Latest Irrigation Industry Statistics Explained

According to the United States Geological Survey, irrigation accounted for just under 37% of total U.S. freshwater withdrawals in 2015.

The statistic indicates that in 2015, irrigation activities in the United States accounted for nearly 37% of the total freshwater withdrawals in the country, according to the United States Geological Survey. This highlights the significant demand for freshwater resources for agricultural purposes, as irrigation plays a crucial role in supporting crop growth and food production. The data suggests that a substantial portion of the nation’s freshwater supply is being utilized for agricultural irrigation, emphasizing the importance of sustainable water management practices to ensure the availability of water resources for both present and future needs. Efforts to improve irrigation efficiency and conservation measures could help mitigate the impact of water scarcity challenges and promote the sustainable use of freshwater resources in the agricultural sector.

In 2015, 83.4% of irrigated farms in the United States used wells as their water source.

The statistic states that in 2015, approximately 83.4% of irrigated farms in the United States relied on wells as their primary water source. This indicates that a significant majority of irrigated farms utilized groundwater from wells for irrigation purposes. Wells are a common and traditional method of accessing water for agriculture, providing a reliable and consistent supply to support crop growth and farm operations. The high percentage of farms using wells highlights the importance of groundwater resources in sustaining agricultural production in the United States, showcasing the widespread reliance on this water source within the farming community.

The global smart irrigation market size was valued at USD 1.0 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 2.1 billion by 2025.

This statistic indicates that the global smart irrigation market experienced rapid growth, with a value of USD 1.0 billion in 2020 and is projected to more than double to USD 2.1 billion by 2025. This suggests a strong upward trend in the adoption of smart irrigation technology worldwide, driven by factors such as increased awareness of water conservation, advancements in IoT and sensor technologies, and the need for improved agricultural productivity. The expected growth in market size signifies the expanding market opportunities and potential for innovation in smart irrigation systems to address water scarcity issues and enhance efficiency in water management practices across various industries.

The global agricultural irrigation machinery market size was valued at USD 4.1 billion in 2019.

The statistic stating that the global agricultural irrigation machinery market size was valued at USD 4.1 billion in 2019 represents the total revenue generated by the sales of irrigation machinery specifically designed for agricultural purposes worldwide during that year. This figure reflects the significant investment made by farmers and agricultural organizations in modern irrigation technologies to improve water usage and crop productivity. A growing global population and increasing demand for food security are driving the adoption of advanced irrigation machinery in agriculture, contributing to the substantial market value. Understanding the market size provides valuable insights into the importance of efficient irrigation systems in modern agricultural practices and highlights the economic significance of this sector in the overall global economy.

China is the worldwide leader for irrigated area, with 69 million hectares in 2012.

The statistic indicates that in 2012, China had the largest total area of land under irrigation compared to any other country in the world, reaching 69 million hectares. This implies that China has made significant investments and advancements in agricultural infrastructure and water management systems to support agricultural production through irrigation. The large irrigated area suggests that irrigation plays a crucial role in sustaining China’s agricultural output, contributing to its food security and economic development. The statistic also highlights China’s position as a key player in global agriculture and underscores the importance of irrigation in meeting the country’s agricultural needs and supporting its growing population.

World Bank data shows that as of 2014, India had the highest net irrigated agricultural area at 66.1 million hectares.

The statistic indicates that according to World Bank data from 2014, India had the largest net irrigated agricultural area among all countries, covering approximately 66.1 million hectares. This suggests that a significant portion of India’s agricultural land is equipped with irrigation systems, which can contribute to higher and more stable crop yields compared to rain-fed agriculture. The presence of a large irrigated agricultural area can also indicate a relatively advanced agricultural infrastructure and technology adoption in the country. This statistic highlights India’s emphasis on enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security through the utilization of irrigation techniques, which are essential for sustaining agricultural production in regions with unreliable or insufficient rainfall.

Between 2013 and 2017, approximately 2.07 million acres of farmland were converted to use micro-irrigation systems in the United States.

The statistic that approximately 2.07 million acres of farmland were converted to use micro-irrigation systems in the United States between 2013 and 2017 suggests a significant adoption of more efficient agriculture practices during this period. Micro-irrigation systems deliver water directly to the root zone of crops, minimizing water waste and increasing water use efficiency. This conversion of farmland to micro-irrigation systems reflects a trend towards sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices in response to water scarcity concerns and the need to optimize agricultural productivity. The large-scale adoption of micro-irrigation systems across millions of acres underscores the agricultural sector’s emphasis on technology-driven solutions to address challenges such as water conservation and crop yield optimization.

About 39% of U.S. irrigated farms reported using sprinklers, surface (flood), or drip (micro) systems in 2018.

In 2018, approximately 39% of irrigated farms in the United States utilized sprinklers, surface (flood), or drip (micro) systems for irrigation purposes. This statistic indicates that a significant proportion of farms in the U.S. have adopted more advanced irrigation techniques beyond traditional methods, such as flood irrigation. The utilization of sprinklers, surface, or drip systems suggests a move towards more efficient and precise water management practices, which can result in reduced water wastage, increased crop yield, and potentially lower environmental impacts. The data implies a trend towards modernizing irrigation practices in U.S. agriculture, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable water use in farming operations.

Surface water makes up 58% of the total irrigated water sources worldwide.

The statistic stating that surface water makes up 58% of the total irrigated water sources worldwide means that nearly six out of every ten units of water used for irrigation come from surface water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. This highlights the significant reliance on surface water for agricultural practices globally. Such a high proportion signifies the importance of managing and preserving surface water resources, as they play a crucial role in supporting food production and sustaining agricultural systems. Additionally, it suggests the need for sustainable water management practices to ensure the long-term availability and quality of water for irrigation purposes.

Agricultural irrigation accounted for 91% of consumptive water use in the western United States.

The statistic indicates that agricultural irrigation is the primary contributor to consumptive water use in the western United States, accounting for 91% of the total. Consumptive water use refers to water that is not returned to its source, either through evaporation, incorporation into products, or other means. This high percentage highlights the significant demand that agricultural activities place on water resources in the region. The statistic underscores the importance of water management strategies in agriculture to ensure sustainable water use and availability for other sectors, as well as the need for efficient irrigation practices to conserve water and mitigate potential water scarcity issues in the western United States.

A report indicated a total of 231,259 farms in the United States were irrigated, covering 55.9 million acres in 2017.

The statistic provided indicates that in the United States in 2017, there were a total of 231,259 farms that utilized irrigation methods to water their crops, with these farms collectively covering approximately 55.9 million acres of land. This signifies the significant reliance on irrigation in agriculture practices within the country to support crop growth and ensure higher yields. The large number of farms using irrigation and the extensive acreage under irrigation spotlight the crucial role that this technique plays in sustaining agricultural productivity and food supply in the United States.

In 2018, the average irrigation application rate on U.S. farms was 1.5 acre-feet per acre.

In 2018, the average irrigation application rate on U.S. farms was 1.5 acre-feet per acre, indicating the typical amount of water applied to each acre of farmland for irrigation purposes during that year. This statistic suggests that U.S. farmers utilised an average of 1.5 acre-feet of water to irrigate each acre of their land, reflecting the water management practices employed in agricultural settings. The figure of 1.5 acre-feet per acre serves as an important metric for evaluating the efficiency and sustainability of irrigation practices in the United States, with values below this average potentially indicating more efficient water usage and conservation efforts in agriculture.

Farmers used 4.7 trillion gallons of water for field crops across 27 million acres of land in the United States in 2013.

In 2013, farmers in the United States utilized a significant amount of water, totaling 4.7 trillion gallons, for irrigating field crops spread across 27 million acres of land. This statistic highlights the vast scale of water consumption in agriculture, emphasizing the reliance on irrigation systems to support crop production. The sheer volume of water used underscores the importance of efficient water management practices to sustain agricultural productivity while also addressing concerns about water scarcity and conservation. This statistic serves as a crucial indicator of the agricultural sector’s significant impact on water resources and the need for sustainable strategies to optimize water usage in crop cultivation.

In 2018, it was reported that 16% of all irrigated farmland in the United States used drip irrigation systems.

The statistic that 16% of all irrigated farmland in the United States used drip irrigation systems in 2018 indicates the proportion of agricultural land that relies on this specific irrigation method for water delivery. Drip irrigation is a technology that allows water to drip slowly and directly to the roots of plants, promoting water conservation and efficient use of resources. This statistic suggests that drip irrigation systems are becoming increasingly popular among farmers in the United States as they seek to improve water efficiency, reduce water wastage, and enhance crop productivity. Furthermore, it highlights a growing trend towards sustainable agricultural practices in the country, which is crucial for addressing water scarcity and environmental concerns in the farming sector.

In 2018, 61% of irrigated farmland in the United States utilized pressure-piped systems.

In 2018, 61% of the irrigated farmland in the United States utilized pressure-piped systems. This statistic indicates that a substantial majority of the agricultural land that was being irrigated in the U.S. relied on high-efficiency pressure-piped systems to deliver water to the crops. Pressure-piped systems are known for their ability to deliver water directly to the root zone of plants, reducing water waste and increasing efficiency. The high adoption rate of these systems suggests that many farmers are recognizing the benefits of using modern irrigation technology to optimize water usage and maximize crop yields. This statistic highlights a positive trend towards sustainable and efficient water management practices in U.S. agriculture.

References

0. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

1. – https://www.www.fao.org

2. – https://www.www.usda.gov

3. – https://www.www.ers.usda.gov

4. – https://www.www.arcgis.com

5. – https://www.www.nass.usda.gov

6. – https://www.data.worldbank.org

7. – https://www.www.usgs.gov

8. – https://www.www.marketsandmarkets.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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