Madhya Pradesh Irrigation Projects: Targeting 1 Crore Hectares by 2028

The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh emphasized that the state government is deeply committed to the welfare of farmers, ensuring that water reaches every field. Through the large, medium, and micro irrigation projects managed by the Water Resources Department, the irrigation area in the state is steadily increasing. With enhanced irrigation facilities, farmers are now able to grow three crops instead of two. This has not only boosted agricultural production but also strengthened the economic status of farmers. In 2003, the state's irrigation area was just 3 lakh hectares, which has now expanded to around 50 lakh hectares.

Target to Expand Irrigation Capacity to 1 Crore Hectares

It is projected that by 2025-26, the irrigation area in Madhya Pradesh will increase to approximately 65 lakh hectares through ongoing irrigation projects. Furthermore, the government has set an ambitious target to increase the state's irrigation capacity to 1 crore hectares by 2028-29. To achieve this goal, the government has allocated a substantial budget for the construction and maintenance of irrigation projects. In the 2024-25 budget, ₹13,596 crore has been earmarked for these projects, which will further strengthen irrigation infrastructure and increase agricultural production.

A New Source of Irrigation, Drinking Water, and Energy for Bundelkhand

Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silawat shared that the Ken-Betwa Link Project is an ambitious river-linking project of national importance, involving the construction of the Daudhan Dam, link canals, and other related works. Through this project, 4.5 lakh hectares in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh will benefit from micro-irrigation technology. Additionally, 2.06 lakh hectares in the Betwa basin covering the districts of Vidisha, Raisen, Sagar, Shivpuri, and Datia will receive irrigation, and drinking water will be provided to areas in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, including Banda, Mahoba, and Jhansi. The project will also produce 103 MW of hydroelectric power and 27 MW of solar energy, with full rights to this energy production granted to Madhya Pradesh.

In the second phase of the project, three schemes are proposed in the Betwa basin: the Bina complex (96,000 hectares), Kota Barrage (20,000 hectares), and the Lower Orr project (90,000 hectares). These projects will supply 66.7 million cubic meters of drinking water and water for industries.

Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project
A tripartite agreement has been signed between Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and the central government for the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project. This project will benefit 10 districts of the state.

Increase in Irrigation Capacity from New Projects

Proposed projects in the Narmada Valley and other ambitious plans will enhance the state's irrigation capacity by 19.25 lakh hectares. Under the "Per Drop, More Crop" initiative, 133 pressurized micro-irrigation systems are under construction. The Chitrangi pressurized micro-irrigation project (cost: ₹1,320 crore) will develop 32,125 hectares of irrigated land in Singrauli district. The Jawad-Nimach pressurized micro-irrigation project (cost: ₹4,197 crore) will irrigate 18,600 hectares in Neemuch district.