Under PMKSY-AIBP, 4 irrigation projects of potential 61 th ha operational in J&K

JAMMU: In order to strengthen the irrigation system in Jammu and Kashmir, under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)-Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme, four irrigation projects of potential 61.04 thousand hectare are operational in Jammu.
It was disclosed in the Lok Sabha by Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
He said under PMKSY-Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), 99 ongoing Major/Medium projects having irrigation potential of 76.03 lakh ha. have been identified, in consultation with states which could be completed in phases up to December, 2019.
“Out of above, 4 projects are in Jammu & Kashmir, having ultimate Irrigation Potential of 61.44 thousand hactares,” Balyan said.
The union minister said that for completion of these projects in a mission mode, funding mechanism through NABARD has been approved by the Government for both Central as well as State share. Further, a Mission has also been established for implementation of these 99 projects.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) has been launched in 2015-16 to serve as a platform for convergence of investments in irrigation through comprehensive District and the State Irrigation Plans. It envisages end to end solution in irrigation supply chain viz. water resources, distribution, efficient application and extension services. The focus is on improving water use efficiency at farm level and bridging the gap between irrigation potential created and utilization.