Manchukonda small lift irrigation scheme completed within a year, inaugurated in Khammam district

Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao on Tuesday inaugurated the Manchukonda lift irrigation scheme at Manchukonda village in Raghunadhapalem mandal of Khammam district.

Exactly a year ago on the same day, the foundation stone for the project was laid by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka in the presence of Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and others at Manchukonda.

The small lift irrigation scheme was constructed at an estimated cost of ₹66 crore on the left bank of the Nagarjunasagar Left Bank Canal (NSLBC) near V. Venkatayapalem village to feed 33 minor irrigation tanks in Raghunadhapalem mandal. It will help stabilise an ayacut of 2,400 acres, sources said.

Addressing a public meeting after inaugurating the lift irrigation scheme at Manchukonda, Mr. Nageshwara Rao said it would benefit small and marginal farmers in Raghunadhapalem mandal by providing Krishna waters to irrigate their lands.

Once the Sita Rama Lift Irrigation Project (SRLIP) is completed, the Godavari waters would be abundantly available in the erstwhile combined Khammam district, he noted.

The Minister called upon the farmers to take up oil palm cultivation saying the edible oil crop offers sustainable income.