162 new irrigation projects to be implemented in state next year

Bhopal: The target has been set to execute 162 irrigation projects in coming financial year 2018-19. The projects will irrigate about three lakh hectare area. The annual irrigation target in Madhya Pradesh will be one and a half times in the coming seven years. The target is to increase irrigation capacity up to 60 lakh hectare from present 40 lakh hectare.

 Around 5000 major, medium and minor irrigation projects are under operation in Madhya Pradesh. Their total irrigation capacity is 30.25 lakh hectare. Along with water resources department, Narmada Valley Development Department and Rural Development Department are working to increase irrigation area in Madhya Pradesh.

 Water Resources Department has developed additional irrigation facility in 5.70 lakh hectare area by completing two major irrigation projects, nine medium irrigation projects and 725 minor irrigation projects during the year 2013-14 to 2016-17.

 The annual irrigation area of the water resources has increased from 25.46 lakh hectares to 29.02 lakh hectare in last four years. Rabi irrigation has also increased to 26.51 lakh hectare from 23.30 lakh hectare during this period. Field channel and water courses have also been constructed in the 3.55 lakh hectare area under command area development program in the last four years. Provision of sprinkler and drip system has been made through pressurized pipeline on the place of open canal in all new and medium projects with the purpose that all farmers get more and more benefit of water available in the state.-Windowtonews