Bhubaneswar, May 3 (UNI) A recent study has revealed a substantial increase in irrigated land in Odisha, rising from 44 per cent to 89 per cent. This marks a 102 per cent rise in the Irrigation Potential Utilised (IPU) across the state.
The study also found that average household-level irrigated land has doubled, increasing from 0.9 acres to 1.8 acres. Meanwhile, average paddy yields have gone up by 18 per cent, and household incomes have increased by 84 per cent.
Additionally, the study highlighted positive impacts on cropping intensity, farmer engagement through Pani Panchayats, and overall socio-economic development. It recommended enhancements in field channel construction standards, improved maintenance protocols, and reforms in water governance.
In a major move towards strengthening sustainable water resource management, a high-level meeting was held on Saturday to present the findings of the independent evaluation study on the Command Area Development and Water Management (CAD&WM) and Reconstruction of Field Channels (RCOFC) schemes.
Senior officials from the Water Resources and Finance departments, along with other key stakeholders, attended the meeting chaired by Anu Garg, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department.
The study assessed progress made between 2021–22 and 2023–24 across six sample divisions, covering both new and reconstructed field channel works.
The findings showcased Odisha’s notable achievements in improving irrigation efficiency, increasing farmer participation, and boosting agricultural productivity through targeted interventions in 59 major, medium, and minor irrigation command areas.
Anu Garg praised the progress and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to inclusive, technology-driven, and farmer-centric irrigation reforms. She emphasised the need for timely execution, robust monitoring, and integration with digital platforms.
