Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on Wednesday that canal water for paddy sowing will be released starting May 1, with a total of 21,000 cusecs distributed across the state. Calling the availability of canal water a 'decisive shift away from Punjab's heavy reliance on groundwater,' Mann highlighted that the state government has invested Rs 6,700 crore in irrigation infrastructure. This includes cleaning a 14,000-km pipeline network and laying 7,000 watercourses and channels.
Water for Multiple Crops
Mann stated, 'We will ensure irrigation for paddy, and also secure water for sowing cotton and maize, horticulture purposes, and producing fodder in Malwa. We have delivered tangible gains in groundwater recharge, with levels rising by 2-4 metres.'
Phased Release and Zone Division
Taking to X, Mann said the state government's primary objective was to reduce groundwater use and ensure canal water reaches every field. 'Even tail-end regions like Fazilka and Abohar will receive water by May 2. Along with this, to save electricity and ensure convenience for labourers, paddy sowing has been divided into four zones. Direct seeding will begin from May 15, and from June 1, canal water supply will be provided in a phased manner,' he explained.
Mann noted that the water being released is equivalent to the supply of two Bhakra canals. 'It will particularly help farmers in the Malwa region for orchards and for sowing crops such as cotton, maize and fodder, along with preparing fields for paddy cultivation,' he added.
Direct Seeding of Rice from May 15
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said direct seeding of rice (DSR) — a water-saving method that eliminates transplantation — will begin from May 15 in all districts, accompanied by eight hours of uninterrupted power supply. 'From June 1, paddy cultivation will begin in Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ropar, Mohali, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib and Hoshiarpur. From June 5, cultivation will start in Faridkot, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka, and from June 9 it will begin in Ludhiana, Malerkotla, Mansa, Moga, Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, Kapurthala, Jalandhar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar,' he said.
