The Narendra Modi government has maintained that irrigation and watershed management are critical for agricultural development. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today earmarked Rs 1000 crore for improving irrigation facilities under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichai Yojana. The scheme, he said, would facilitate assured irrigation, and shield the farmers from the vagaries of monsoon.
The government recognizes water is the most critical input for agriculture. Currently, according to the Economic Survey presented by Mr Jaitley yesterday, 63 million hectares, or 45 per cent of net cropped area, is irrigated.
Under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Rs 64,228 crore of central loan assistance (CLA)/grant had been released up to December 31, 2013. An irrigation potential of 8054.61 thousand hectares is estimated to have been created by states from major/medium/minor irrigation projects under the AIBP till March 2012.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
