It´s not a simple question ...

It´s not a simple question and it requires a complex answer. We cannot understand the whole problem. Why are they cultivating rice instead of other grains? There is rice varieties that need less water and we have used them in Brazil developed by EMBRAPA. But if rice farming is essential for them and they have a problem with energy so we have to choose irrigation systems that use less energy and with more water distribution efficiency. And before go to the action a planning is necessary to match all those variables. What the local or regional market is needing? And when we choose an irrigation system we have to remember that we have to establish a training program to use such complex equipments and to avoid create a external dependence the keep them working properly. I worked at Gorotuba River Valley Irrigated Perimeter at the semi arid of Minas Gerais State - Brazil. They started with gravity irrigation for grains and banana and they improved the irrigation systems to more complex ones. A Central pivot is a good system but you will not need to much labor force and employees. I think we have to consider such aspects.