Guwahati, 9th February: During the ongoing budget session of the state legislative assembly, Assam’s Irrigation Minister Ashok Singhal provided insights into the state’s agricultural irrigation scenario. Singhal revealed that currently, only about 14 per cent of the total agricultural land in Assam is irrigated under the schemes of the Irrigation Department. These schemes play a crucial role in providing water for both Kharif (June to October) and Rabi (November to May) crops.
Singhal responded to queries raised by Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, stating that records of irrigation carried out by farmers themselves are not available within the department. He emphasized that as of 2023, 14 per cent of the total agricultural land is being irrigated by the Irrigation Department’s schemes.
Regarding paddy cultivation, Singhal provided data indicating that for the year 2021-22, the total area under paddy cultivation in Assam stood at 23.53 lakh hectares. He further elaborated on the net sown area and gross sown area of various crops, highlighting that 11.03 lakh hectares of agricultural land have been irrigated by the department’s schemes as of 2023.
Singhal disclosed that Assam’s Irrigation Department oversees a total of 3,913 projects/schemes. These schemes, aimed at providing water for both Kharif and Rabi crops, are detailed on the assembly’s website as directed by the Assam Assembly. Additionally, Singhal noted that 1,585 schemes are currently incomplete, and efforts are underway to repair and activate them gradually, aligned with allocated funds.
Read More: Manipur Cabinet Extends Engagement of Village Defence Forces