Evaluating flood, sprinkler and drip irrigation systems for dragon fruit production in Bangladesh

M. G. Mostofa Amin; Ummoy Sumaia Shammy; Md. Abdur Rouf; SSRM Mahe Alam  Sorwar; Md. Rafizul Islam Mondal; Prodeep Kumar Sarker; Md. Habibur Rahman

doi:10.63697/jeshs.2025.10049

Authors

M. G. Mostofa Amin Department of Irrigation and Water Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7822-1124
Ummoy Sumaia Shammy Department of Agrometeorology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7796-4413
Md. Abdur Rouf Haor and Char Development Institute, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1963-8821
SSRM Mahe Alam Sorwar Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation, PKSF Bhaban, Agaorgaon Administrative Area, Shere-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2931-0933
Md. Rafizul Islam Mondal Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation, PKSF Bhaban, Agaorgaon Administrative Area, Shere-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8645-6514
Prodeep Kumar Sarker Society for Social Service, SSS Bhabon, Mymensingh Road, Tangail, Bangladesh
Md. Habibur Rahman Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0426-050X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63697/jeshs.2025.10049

Keywords:

Energy consumption for irrigation, Fruit production costs, Irrigation costs, Irrigation depth, Irrigation interval

Abstract

Water scarcity and inefficient irrigation practices are major challenges to sustainable fruit production in Bangladesh. Although dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) is relatively drought-tolerant, supplemental irrigation is crucial during flowering and fruiting to achieve high yield and fruit quality. In the Madhupur Tract, declining groundwater levels necessitate evaluating modern irrigation systems to promote efficient water use and ensure profitability. This study compared the performance of traditional flood, sprinkler, and drip irrigation systems for sustainable dragon fruit production. The focus was on water and energy use efficiency, productivity, farmer satisfaction, and economic viability (benefit–cost ratio, net present value, and payback period). Twelve dragon fruit farms were selected across the Madhupur Tract, representing each irrigation type. Data were collected on irrigated area, irrigation source, soil type, irrigation depth and interval, energy use, fruit yield and quality, user satisfaction (water distribution uniformity, runoff loss, waterlogging, soil erosion, water saving, and water quality), and installation and operation costs. Sprinkler and drip irrigation systems outperformed the traditional flood irrigation system in nearly all parameters. Drip irrigation delivered the highest irrigation water productivity (6.12 kg/m³) and the top benefit–cost ratio (2.08). It also provided water effectively (0.45 cm/event). Sprinkler systems achieved the highest land coverage (1.04 ha) and the best user satisfaction with the lowest energy demand (920 kWh/ha/year). Flood irrigation consumed the most water (2.1 cm/event), required the highest energy (2364 kWh/ha/year), and received the lowest satisfaction ratings. Sprinkler and drip systems delivered superior yields and fruit quality. Although their initial setup costs were higher, all systems achieved payback within a year, with drip and flood systems recovering costs the fastest (0.10 years). Overall, drip and sprinkler systems proved more efficient, profitable, and environmentally sustainable than conventional flood irrigation. The study recommends promoting precision irrigation technologies and providing targeted financial support for sustainable crop production in water-stressed regions.

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Author Biographies

M. G. Mostofa Amin, Department of Irrigation and Water Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh

Professor, Department of Irrigation and Water Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202
Md. Habibur Rahman, Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh

Professor, Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University

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