For better management of the available water potential in the State, the Water Resources Department has prepared a draft of new schemes for the future for increasing irrigation capacity besides ensuring full utilisation of available capacity. This will create self-reliance in the area of irrigation. Agricultural development will get a new direction in the state.
In the next 5 years, the state government will invest Rs one lakh 10 thousand 500 crore on irrigation projects till the year 2025 to create irrigation potential of 45 lakh hectare. At present, 31 major, 57 medium and 441 minor irrigation schemes are under construction in the State. With efficient management, 100 percent irrigation potential is being used in the state. Irrigation facility was provided in 2.49 lakh hectare in the Kharif season and 27.19 lakh hectare in the Rabi season in the year 2018-19 in the state, despite less rain and less waterlogging.
In both seasons, irrigation facility was made available to farmers in total 29.68 lakh hectare area. In areas where there is difficulty in providing water through canals, the use of micro irrigation system (sprinkler / drip) is being promoted. For this, work on 24 major and 35 medium irrigation projects is going on fast. On completion of these, additional micro irrigation facility will be available in 15 lakh hectare area.
A provision of Rs 9,463 crore has been made to complete various irrigation projects. The construction agency has also been decided. On completion of these, irrigation potential will increase in 5.41 lakh hectare area.
In order to reduce loss of water due to leakage in the canals of major and medium projects built earlier, the lining work is being completed on priority basis. At present, lining work is being done in 2 major projects Tawa and Barna canals. Commands in 10.37 lakh hectare area of 23 irrigation schemes in the state and watercourse and field channel work in 6.93 lakh hectare area has been completed.
To increase public participation in irrigation, irrigation management is being done in 24.74 lakh hectare command area through public participation through 2 thousand 64 Jal Upbhokta Sansthans.
Irrigation arrangements have been ensured in all the regions of the state. An area of 5.38 lakh hectares is being irrigated through irrigation projects in Malwanchal. By the year 2025, irrigation potential will be developed in 2 lakh 30 thousand hectare area in Malwanchal. About 6 thousand 65 crore will be invested in these schemes.
Rapid work is underway on 147 minor irrigation projects in Malwanchal. Currently, 4.97 lakh hectare area is being irrigated in Vindhyachal and Jabalpur regions.
By the year 2025, irrigation capacity will be developed in 2.77 lakh hectare area in this region. About Rs 8,000 crores will be invested in these irrigation projects. In Baghelkhand and Revanchal, 3.37 lakh hectare area is currently being irrigated.
