Irrigation facilities will work wonders
Agriculture and horticulture output is directly related to the area of land that is under cultivation or used directly to extract agricultural output. This formula is applicable worldwide as use of land determines any regions agricultural productivity.
However, a key factor to achieve land use especially for agricultural activities is the availability of irrigational facilities for such purposes. Jammu and Kashmir as we know is not water deficient. We have abundant water resources available and the only factor that needs to be worked out is using this water optimally so that more and more area is provided irrigation facilities.
Presently, the government is ensuring comprehensive irrigation coverage for every field across the Union Territory. And to ensure that maximum area is covered for irrigational facilities there is a need for seamless coordination among the Jal Shakti Department, Agriculture Production Department and the district administrations.
This collaborative synergy will be paramount to amplify the impact of flagship schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), ensuring that irrigation facilities translate into tangible benefits for the farmers at the grassroots level.
Notably, the efficacy of major and minor irrigation projects must be reinforced by the simultaneous development of their command areas, ensuring that these vital schemes fully achieve their intended purpose.
The schemes that have been formulated at the district and block levels need to stick to the district irrigation plans so that they achieve optimal utilization.
Covering new patches of land which were hitherto left uncovered and were left unutilised owing to lack of irrigation facilities will help the region to grow at multiple levels.
The new areas brought under irrigation facilities will open up various opportunities for the farmers and the youth who can avail various schemes under the HADP and help to be contributors to the national development by ensuring earnings for the region and themselves.
Presently, the government is working on various schemes to ensure that irrigation facilities are provided to various areas on a continuous basis. Recently, the administration has successfully completed the project of the Entry and Exit gates of Hokersar Wetland, a project worth Rs 28.45 crore, undertaken as part of PMDP.
The completion of the project will ensure continuous supply of water for irrigation purposes for a vast area of land. Besides, various ongoing Centrally Sponsored Schemes like FMBAP, PMDP-II, PMKSY-HKKP and PMKSY-AIBP are currently progressing with a total outlay of approximately Rs 622 crore.
Interestingly, the schemes that have been undertaken have been fully provided a back to ensure that they remain sustainable and keep on providing relief to the farmers.
The initiatives that have been ensured in this regard is the Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) which integrates weather forecasting from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and water level forecasting from the Central Water Commission (CWC). This system is complemented by rainfall information from rain gauge sensors, water level data from water level sensors, active monitoring and the timely dissemination of advisories through social, print and electronic media.
Notably, over the years out of 123,443 hectares of land, which was to be brought under irrigation plan, approximately 85,637 hectares have already been brought under irrigation facilities.
