Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann: A major advocate for farmers

Punjab E News: Punjab, known for its agricultural significance, has played a key role in India’s Green Revolution. However, the state, like many others in the country, is facing a significant decline in groundwater levels, causing concern among farmers.

Irrigation is vital for farming, and canal water offers a sustainable solution to this growing water crisis. The Aam Aadmi Party’s Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has initiated various measures to address water shortages and support sustainable farming practices.

One of the major achievements of the Mann-led government has been the restoration of 15,914 canals, ensuring water reaches even the remotest areas.

According to the Punjab government, water has been supplied to 20 canals for the first time in four decades, benefiting 916 minors and sub-canals. In some areas, farmers have received irrigation water after 35-40 years, providing much-needed relief to long-dry lands.

Similarly, the state’s Water Conservation Department has laid 2,400 kilometers of underground pipelines, benefiting 30,282 hectares of land.

To further support farmers, the government is offering subsidies – 90% for farmer groups and 50% for individual farmers – for efficient irrigation systems. Nearly 6,000 hectares of land have been brought under drip and sprinkler irrigation systems with subsidies of up to 90%.

The Punjab government is also taking steps to optimize groundwater usage by leveraging canal and subsurface water sources, increasing the irrigation budget, and ensuring timely fund releases.

Over 125 villages have launched solar lift irrigation projects, allowing the use of pond water for irrigation, thus reducing groundwater dependency.