Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday underlined the need for effective management of water, and said it is essential for agricultural and economic growth.
Speaking at the state-level Pani Panchayat Pakhya-2026, the Chief Minister announced plans to cover 15 lakh hectares of additional land under irrigation in the next five years through various projects.
Stating that irrigation coverage will be expanded through major, medium, and minor projects, lift irrigation, mega lift schemes, and check dams, he said the Pani Panchayat system has brought significant changes to Odisha’s agriculture and farmers’ lives.
At present, 40,380 Pani Panchayats are actively managing irrigation across 24.12 lakh hectares of land in the state. The Odisha Pani Panchayat Act of 2002 and its amendments have ensured equal rights and opportunities for women, fisherfolk, and water users.
Noting that traditional irrigation methods often lead to water wastage, Majhi said Pani Panchayats enable equitable and efficient water distribut
ion. He highlighted ongoing projects such as the Khairibandhan Barrage in Mayurbhanj, Upper Lanth Project in Balangir, Sandul Underground Pipeline, Brutanga Irrigation Project in Nayagarh, and various reservoirs and canal initiatives across the state.
The government is committed to providing irrigation facilities to over 90% of cultivable land by 2036 to transform Odisha into a prosperous state, the CM said, urging farmers to diversify crops, including vegetables, fruits, and flowers, to increase their income.
The government is implementing various schemes to make farmers self-reliant. Through the Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture, the state is focusing on climate-resilient farming practices, technological integration in agriculture, crop diversification, and the use of resilient seeds.
To adopt technology in irrigation, the Institute of Water Management has been engaged for IoT-enabled digital water meters and soil moisture sensing systems. Additionally, an MoU with Xavier Institute of Management aims to enhance the efficiency of Pani Panchayats. A pilot project in Chandapala, Nuapada district, covers 2,567 hectares with modern water-efficient and community-managed irrigation.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said the government is planning to provide better market access to farmers and export their produce to fetch higher prices, with the primary goal of doubling farmers’ income.