Dispur, July 12 (IANS) The Assam Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Pijush Hazarika said on Sunday that the state government is laying greater stress on modern pipe-based irrigation systems.

Hazarika was visiting the Hatiamukh Irrigation Project at the Baghjap Gaon Panchayat during the day.

This canal-based project, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 30.67 crore, has brought nearly 5,800 bighas of agricultural land under assured irrigation, benefiting a large number of indigenous farmers in the area.

Access to reliable irrigation has significantly strengthened agricultural activities in the region, the Minister noted, urging farmers to undertake two to three cropping cycles annually by making optimum use of the facilities and various government schemes.

While canal-based irrigation projects have played a vital role in supporting agriculture, the state government is now giving greater emphasis to modern pipe-based irrigation systems, Hazarika said.

These projects can be completed within a shorter timeframe, ensure efficient water management, and avoid land acquisition challenges generally associated with conventional canal irrigation projects, the Minister added.

The state government is focusing on expanding modern irrigation infrastructure to ensure reliable water supply to farmers, promote sustainable agriculture and further strengthen Assam’s agricultural economy, Hazarika said.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had highlighted the state government’s efforts to shift to pipe-based irrigation systems barely a couple of days ago.

“A major leap for Assam’s agriculture. The Government will transition to a Pressurised Piped Distribution Network for irrigation, replacing conventional open channels to reduce water loss, lower costs and deliver faster, more efficient irrigation for farmers,” the Chief Minister’s office had posted on social media platform X.

Hazarika himself inspected the Singua Water Supply Pilot Project in Boko on June 20.

This is Assam’s first underground water initiative. It is being constructed with Rs 34.8 crore central funding and will provide consistent water access to nearly 1,427 hectares of farmland.

This project will utilise an underground network of pipelines to move water directly to crops. It is designed to minimise waste and maximise efficiency.

Hazarika, during his visit to the Rajapura and Dirima areas, had described the initiative as a major step towards modernising local infrastructure, while seeking support from local stakeholders to ensure the project remains on schedule.

“The project would serve as a model for future irrigation schemes across the state,” the Minister had said.

–IANS

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