Dispur, July 12 (IANS). Assam Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Piyush Hazarika said on Sunday that the state government is laying more emphasis on modern pipe-based irrigation systems. Hazarika was visiting Hatiyamukh Irrigation Project located in Baghjap village Panchayat during the day.
Built at an estimated cost of Rs 30.67 crore, this canal-based project has brought about 5,800 bighas of agricultural land under assured irrigation, benefiting a large number of local farmers of the area.
The minister said availability of reliable irrigation has significantly strengthened agricultural activities in the region and urged farmers to cultivate two to three crop cycles per year by making maximum use of the facilities and various government schemes.
Hazarika said canal-based irrigation projects have played an important role in supporting agriculture, but the state government is now laying more emphasis on modern pipe-based irrigation systems.
The Minister further said that these projects can be completed in a short time, will ensure efficient water management and avoid land acquisition challenges associated with traditional canal irrigation projects.
Hazarika said the state government is focusing on expanding modern irrigation infrastructure to ensure reliable water supply to farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture and further strengthening Assam’s agricultural economy.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had just a few days ago highlighted the state government’s efforts to move towards pipe-based irrigation systems.
A big step for Assam’s agriculture, the Chief Minister’s Office had posted on social media platform X. The government will make changes to the pressurized pipe distribution network for irrigation, which will reduce water wastage, reduce costs and provide faster and more efficient irrigation to farmers.
Hazarika himself inspected the Singua Water Supply Pilot Project in Boko on June 20.
This is the first underground water project in Assam. It is being constructed with a central grant of Rs 34.8 crore and will ensure continuous water supply to about 1,427 hectares of agricultural land.
The project will deliver water directly to crops using a network of underground pipelines. It is designed to minimize water wastage and maximize efficiency.
–IANS
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