Govt. prioritises groundwater recharge and irrigation projects to strengthen agricultural sector: Boseraju

The State government is giving priority to groundwater recharge and irrigation projects to strengthen the agricultural sector, Minister for Minor Irrigation N.S. Boseraju said on Saturday.

He was speaking after inaugurating the construction works of check dams/bridge-cum-barrages and canal excavation across several streams in Aland taluk of Kalaburagi district. The projects, estimated to cost ₹47.50 crore, cover works across canals from Khandala to Matki, Nirgudi to Padasavali, Basavantawadi to Nimbarga, Hallisalgara to Kodalhangarga, and Bangarga-Chitali-Salegaon to Hebli.

Mr. Boseraju said nearly ₹50 crore has been allocated for the construction of check dams and bridge-cum-barrages across rivers and streams in the Aland constituency to improve irrigation and recharge groundwater.

He lauded B.R. Patil, MLA from Aland and vice-chairperson of the Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission, for his sustained efforts and commitment to social justice in securing funds for the region.

Highlighting the need for groundwater conservation, the Minister said the government was implementing the successful ‘Shirpur model’ of Maharashtra in the Kalyana Karnataka region to address the declining groundwater levels. He noted that Karnataka ranks ninth in the country in groundwater usage and that more than 3.7 million borewells in the State depend on groundwater.

He said the government has also accelerated efforts to rejuvenate lakes and tanks. Of the 41,849 lakes in the State, the Minor Irrigation Department was filling many of them through 428 lift irrigation projects.

Listing the government’s welfare initiatives for farmers, Mr. Boseraju said about ₹30,000 crore in interest-free agricultural loans was being provided to 38 lakh farmers. From next month, the government would distribute the ‘Indira Kit’, which includes five kg of rice along with tur dal, edible oil and salt, the Minister said, adding that the government was continuing with an incentive of ₹5 per litre for milk producers.

Meanwhile, Mr. Patil said that at least ₹100 crore would be required for the development of about 500 km of streams in Aland taluk and urged the government to release funds in phases.

“If the project is implemented successfully, the economic condition of the taluk will improve and people who migrated to cities in search of employment may return to their villages,” he said.

Mr. Patil added that ₹25 crore has been announced in the current Budget for the development of Jidga Lake and stressed the need for additional funds to improve streams across the taluk to ensure better irrigation facilities for farmers.