In a bold move to empower farmers and combat water scarcity, the Uttar Pradesh government is rolling out a comprehensive statewide campaign focused on enhancing irrigation facilities and promoting water conservation. Announced by Water Power Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, the initiative targets drought-prone regions, particularly expanding irrigation infrastructure where it’s needed most.
Under the Chief Minister’s Minor Irrigation Scheme, the state will construct deep and medium-deep tubewells to bring uncultivated lands under irrigation. Alongside this, repairs to aging check dams and the building of new ones will recharge groundwater levels and ensure sustainable water supply for agriculture. Singh issued these directives during a marathon six-hour meeting with officials from the Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Department in Lucknow.
The minister highlighted remarkable progress in water-stressed Bundelkhand, where improved schemes have boosted crop yields and farmer incomes. From 2017-18 onwards, over 1.37 lakh hectares of additional irrigation capacity has been created. Notably, 4,678 deep tubewells and 3,050 medium-deep ones have transformed barren fields into productive farmlands.
Singh praised efforts in Bundelkhand and western UP districts, where executives presented detailed reports. Key achievements include 132 solar pumpsets distributed to farmers, 868 new check dams built, 724 old ones renovated, and 476 ponds restored. For groundwater recharge, rooftop rainwater harvesting systems have been installed on 739 government buildings.
These measures have yielded tangible results: out of 47 development blocks in Bundelkhand, 25 now fall in the safe category for groundwater. Crop production has surged, migration from rural areas has halted, and farmers’ livelihoods are stabilizing. The campaign signals UP’s commitment to agricultural resilience amid climate challenges, promising a greener future for its farming communities.