The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, today reviewed the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) – the Union Government’s flagship irrigation programme. The meeting was attended by senior officials from various concerned Ministries, besides PMO and NITI Aayog.Officials stated that out of 99 priority irrigation projects, 21 projects, with a total irrigation potential of 5.22 lakh hectares are likely to be completed by June 2017.
An additional 45 priority projects in the States of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, are progressing well, and are likely to be completed ahead of schedule. The Prime Minister urged to officials to give maximum attention to drip and micro-irrigation, in these upcoming irrigation projects. He called for synergy between various Government Departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Agricultural Universities to work out efficient cropping patterns and water-use mechanisms in the command areas of these projects. The Prime Minister exhorted the officials to work with a comprehensive and holistic vision for PMKSY. He also called for using latest available technology, including space applications, to monitor the progress of irrigation projects.