Below normal monsoon a chance, multi-pronged strategy to develop irrigation: PM Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: With the country staring at a 'deficient' monsoon this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressed for a multi-pronged strategy to augment India's irrigation network.

At a high-level meet of top officials from the ministries of agriculture, water resources, rural development, finance, NITI Aayog and the PMO, Modi asked for streamlining the systems driving the irrigation sector for a shorter, comprehensive decision-making process that could deliver quick results for the farmers.

Reviewing the preparations for the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, the PM 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.

"A thorough study should be made of various traditional irrigation methods across the country," PM Modi told his team.

The PM asked the policy-makers to involve young researchers in irrigation-policy planning, adding that adequate action must be carried out the district level. He also said young officers from the civil services should be asked to propose district-level irrigation plans.

Pushing officials to treat the challenge of a below-normal rainfall as an opportunity, the PM called for an intensive short-term effort to boost the creation of farm ponds across the country.

He 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.

Among those present at the meet were Water Resources minister Uma Bharati, rural development Birender Singh and MoS for agriculture Sanjeev Balyan.