Sustainable Irrigation and Livelihoods: Harnessing Treated Wastewater in Viraadhanoor Village

Freshwater scarcity and climate variability have intensified the need for sustainable irrigation alternatives in semi-urban regions. This study evaluates the feasibility of treated wastewater irrigation in Viraadhanoor village, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, with emphasis on farmer acceptance, economic viability, and soil-water quality assessment. A total of 100 field samples were collected and analyzed for physicochemical parameters, including pH, TDS, COD, hardness, chlorides, and nitrates. Soil parameters such as N, P, K, EC, Fe, Cu, and Zn were also evaluated. Results indicate that wastewater pH (7.6–8.5) and TDS (1210–1370 mg/L), while grease and oil and COD values exceeded CPCB permissible limits. Economic analysis shows that fodder grass cultivation generated ₹2.12 lakh/acre net benefit compared to ₹31,600/acre for spinach. Questionnaire results reveal that 85% of farmers are willing to adopt treated wastewater irrigation. The study concludes that regulated treated wastewater reuse can support sustainable irrigation and rural economic development.