PM Modi calls for creating more ponds, augmenting irrigation network
An official statement said Modi called for quick adoption of a multi-pronged strategy to augment the country’s irrigation network, asking officials to treat the challenge of below-normal rainfall as an opportunity and seeking an intensive short-term effort to boost creation of ponds across the country.
“The prime minister noted that falling ground-water levels in some states made it essential to bring about an urgent shift in cropping-patterns. He called for focus on maize, and initiatives in value addition in maize, to make it more attractive for farmers,” the statement said.
Chairing a meeting of top officials from the agriculture, water resources, rural development and finance ministries, besides NITI Aayog and the PMO, Modi sought a relook at the administrative mechanisms, financial arrangements and technology applications in the irrigation sector for a shorter, more comprehensive decision-making process which could deliver quick results for the farmers, the statement said.
The prime minister, while reviewing the preparations for the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, said expansion of irrigation has to be linked with a comprehensive evaluation of cropping patterns across states, as well as a judicious mix of modern and micro irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler irrigation.
He also said a thorough study should be made of various traditional irrigation methods across the country.
