Odisha Achieves 84% Irrigation Coverage, Targets Expansion in 2025–26
Odisha has achieved a significant milestone in agricultural infrastructure, creating irrigation potential for 52.10 lakh hectares as of December 2025.
This covers nearly 84% of the state’s cultivable land, according to the Chief Minister’s statement.
The achievement comes through a combination of major and medium projects, mega lift irrigation schemes, minor flow and lift projects, CLIP, deep bore wells, and other initiatives.
Despite this progress, 25 blocks across 14 districts still face irrigation coverage below 35%. Districts such as Jagatsinghpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, Khurda, Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangpur, Nayagarh, Puri, Rayagada, and Sundergarh remain areas of concern.
Looking ahead, the Water Resources Department has set a target to bring an additional 2.77 lakh hectares under irrigation in 2025–26.
In Ganjam district, irrigation continues to rely on water from the Rushikulya and Bahuda rivers, with Odisha currently utilising only its allocated share.
This expansion is expected to strengthen agricultural resilience, improve crop productivity, and reduce dependence on monsoon rainfall.
