PM pushes for fast-tracking of irrigation scheme

With an aim of benefiting farmers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked central departments and ministries to fast-track implementation of the rural irrigation scheme through a multi-pronged approach, including integrating it with NREGA.

Chairing a high-level meeting involving the ministries of Agriculture, Water Resources, Rural Development, he said the ultimate goal of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana should be to provide irrigation to every farm.

Tuesday meeting follows yesterday's decision by the Union Cabinet to amend the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, which the government said was pro-farmer.

Noting that NREGA has been used over the past few years for creation and augmentation of irrigation assets, Modi said the scheme should be integrated with the overall plan of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, a PMO statement said.

He also called for precise monitoring of outcomes in this regard, it said.

At the macro-level, the Prime Minister asked the Ministry of Water Resources to identify river-interlinking projects that could be immediately taken up.

He also called for comprehensive mapping and identification of water bodies across the country for which satellite imagery and 3D photography could be used to guide villages to best possible sources of irrigation, it said.

Modi asked the departments concerned to look into the possibility of identifying progressive farmers, who could take the lead in implementing water conservation and innovative irrigation techniques.

He also called for integrating water recycling projects of key towns and cities, to irrigation in nearby rural areas. He emphasised the importance of generating consciousness among people towards water conservation.

Water Resources Minister Uma Bharati and Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh were present on the occasion.