Centre readies Rs 200-bn irrigation package for drought-hit Maharashtra

The Centre is considering a Rs 200 billion irrigation package for drought-hit areas of Maharashtra, which see the highest incidences of farmer suicides in the country. 

The package, which is expected to be announced soon, will provide funds for completion of 108 major and minor stalled irrigation projects in the state. 

These projects, located in drought-prone as well as other areas, are those where 50 per cent of the work has been completed and the project has been stalled since then. 

On completion of the projects, an extra 7.75 lakh hectares of land will come under irrigation in the state. 

Around 75 per cent