Irrigation Potential Enhancement Project

The Economic Advisory Council (EAC) in its report on ‘Roadmap for Maharashtra to become a $1 Trillion economy’ has recommended that increase in production and productivity in the agriculture sector is critical. To achieve this objective, the pending irrigation projects are to be fast tracked and completed quickly. The government in its GR dated 9th September 2019, had given approval to seek loan of ₹ 15,000 crore to complete the irrigation projects which are not funded by BJSY and PMKSY schemes.

MITRA is working with government departments and financing institutions to:

• Shortlist the pending irrigation projects in the state
• Carry out bifurcation of the projects and prioritise the same in order to fast-track execution
• Co-ordinate financing of the projects through financing institutions
• Monitor the progress and challenges in project execution

Key initiatives taken up by MITRA:

1. Fast Tracking Irrigation Projects in Maharashtra: Accelerating pending irrigation projects is pivotal to bolstering agricultural productivity. Our concerted effort, in collaboration with the Water Resources Department, aims to expedite the completion of pending irrigation projects in Maharashtra within the next two years. By prioritizing this initiative, we seek to significantly expand the area under irrigation, ensuring a robust foundation for enhanced agricultural output and sustainable growth across the region.

2. Modernizing Canal Networks for Enhanced Irrigation: Our endeavour focuses on the modernization of Maharashtra’s existing canal network through comprehensive repair and renovation. This strategic overhaul is designed to curtail water loss, thereby optimizing irrigation efficiency and promoting water conservation. By upgrading the canal infrastructure, we aim to secure dual benefits: augmenting agricultural productivity while fostering responsible utilization of water resources for a more sustainable farming ecosystem.

3. Empowering farmers through retail vs farmgate analysis: Our focus lies in enhancing farmer incomes by strategically analysing select agricultural commodities. We are meticulously identifying key commodities and conducting a comprehensive comparison of retail versus farmgate prices. Moreover, our analysis encompasses an evaluation of contributions at various stages along the value chain. By scrutinizing these factors, we aim to identify opportunities to maximize the earning potential for farmers. This initiative is geared towards fostering a fairer, more equitable agricultural ecosystem that empowers farmers and ensures their financial sustainability.

4. Co-ordination with MAGNET and SMART projects: We are leveraging the existing programs of MAGNET and SMART to propel desired outcomes within the agricultural sector. By synergising resources and initiatives in these programs, we aim to optimise their potential by fostering enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.