The Odisha government has set an ambitious target to bring 15 lakh hectares of agricultural land under irrigation by the year 2029-30, marking a significant push to transform the state's agricultural landscape.
Major Irrigation Projects Lead the Charge
According to Water Resources Secretary Smruti Ranjan Pradhan, the state is prioritizing the completion of several major and medium irrigation projects to achieve this goal. The government's strategic approach focuses on maximizing the potential of existing infrastructure while developing new systems to ensure water reaches farmlands efficiently.
Current Progress and Future Vision
The state has already made substantial progress in irrigation coverage, with ongoing projects showing promising results. The 2029-30 target represents one of the most comprehensive irrigation expansion initiatives in Odisha's recent history, aimed at making farming more sustainable and profitable for agricultural communities across the state.
Benefits for Farmers and Agriculture
- Increased crop yield and productivity
- Reduced dependency on monsoon rains
- Opportunity for multiple cropping seasons
- Enhanced food security for the state
- Improved economic stability for farming communities
The irrigation expansion plan is expected to revolutionize Odisha's agricultural sector, providing farmers with reliable water sources and enabling them to adopt modern farming practices. This initiative aligns with the state government's broader vision of creating a robust agricultural ecosystem that can withstand climate challenges and market fluctuations.
With this massive irrigation push, Odisha positions itself as a leading state in agricultural infrastructure development, setting a benchmark for other states to follow in water resource management and farmer welfare initiatives.
