CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Water Resources Minister Tulsi Ram Silawat, while reviewing the progress of the Atal Bhujal Yojana in the Ministry, instructed the officials to prioritize the inclusion of smart irrigation innovations in irrigation activities. He mentioned that this technology has been helping in both groundwater conservation and increasing crop productivity.
Director Silawat stated that the objective of the Atal Bhujal Yojana is to improve groundwater levels, create sustainable water sources, and increase agricultural production. In this direction, demo equipment has been installed in Niwari and Sagar districts, and positive results have been observed. This has led to a reduction in water extraction, electricity expenses, and pump maintenance. The facility of irrigation control via mobile has been beneficial for farmers.
Under the scheme, 3,834 water structures have been constructed in 670 gram panchayats across 9 development blocks in 6 districts of the Bundelkhand region, with a cost of over ₹303 crore, leading to the conservation of 92.60 million cubic meters of water. Among these, 163 gram panchayats have recorded an increase in groundwater levels.
Niwari development block, which was previously in the semi-critical category, has now moved into the protected category. Over 1,500 farmers have been provided with drip and sprinkler systems, bringing 2,000 hectares of land under micro-irrigation. More than 2.70 lakh human resources have been trained through 18 phases of training programs, with 45% participation from women
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