Odisha plays a crucial role in the agricultural economy of India, with a significant portion of its population relying on agriculture for their livelihood. To support this, considerable efforts have been made to enhance the irrigation infrastructure.
Over the past six decades, numerous major, medium, and minor irrigation projects have been implemented across the state, creating an irrigation potential of 37.84 lakh hectares during the Kharif season and 18.07 lakh hectares during the Rabi season.
As of 2016-17, the total utilization of this irrigation potential stood at 35.53 lakh hectares, accounting for approximately 63.55% of the total potential. The state government has set a target to ensure at least 35% irrigation coverage in each block. However, disparities remain, with some blocks, such as Krushna Prasad in Puri, lacking irrigation facilities entirely.
Ganjam is the most irrigated district in Odisha, while Jharsuguda is the least irrigated, highlighting the uneven distribution of irrigation resources across the state.
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Sources of Irrigation in Odisha
In Odisha, approximately two-thirds of the total irrigated area relies on wells, hand pumps, and borewells, making these the most significant sources of irrigation in the state. Other key sources include canals and ponds, which also contribute notably to the irrigation network. The distribution of irrigation sources by area is as follows:
- Wells and Tubewells: These are the primary sources of irrigation, covering around 65.76% of the net irrigated area. They are particularly popular in the western districts of Odisha due to their traditional usage and accessibility.
- Canals and Ponds: Canals and ponds account for 19.98% of the net irrigated area. While the canal network has significantly improved the agricultural system in the state, its contribution to the net irrigated area has been declining. This is primarily due to the high investment costs and the time required for the development of canal-based irrigation projects.
Irrigation Projects in Odisha
Odisha has identified 31.30 lakh hectares of cultivable land that can be brought under irrigation through various projects. According to the Odisha Department of Water Resources, by March 2017, irrigation facilities had been developed for 14.04 lakh hectares, excluding mega lift projects.
Currently, 18 major and medium irrigation projects are underway to provide irrigation to an additional 4.09 lakh hectares. Additionally, it is estimated that minor (flow) projects can irrigate 9.70 lakh hectares of cultivable land. By March 2017, minor projects had created irrigation facilities for 6.63 lakh hectares.
Major Irrigation Projects in Odisha
- Hirakud Multipurpose Project
- Built across the Mahanadi River near Sambalpur, the Hirakud Dam is India’s first post-independence multipurpose river valley project.
- Inaugurated on January 13, 1957, the dam spans between Lamdungri and Chandili Dungri hills.
- Key benefits include irrigation for 1,59,106 hectares during the Kharif season and 1,08,385 hectares during the Rabi season in Sambalpur, Bargarh, Balangir, and Subarnapur districts.
- Upper Indravati Multipurpose Project
- Located in Kalahandi district, this project spans the Godavari and Mahanadi basins.
- The scheme includes four dams and eight embankments forming an integrated reservoir. Key rivers include Indravati, Kapur, Podogada, and Muran.
- Subarnarekha Multipurpose Project
- An ongoing project within the Subarnarekha basin, it includes the Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers.
- Associated structures include Chandil Dam, Guludih Barrage, and Icha Dam.
- Rengali Dam Project
- Situated on the Brahmani River, this project benefits the districts of Angul, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Keonjhar, and Cuttack.
- It is part of the Brahmani and Baitarani basin system.
Other Significant Irrigation Projects in Odisha
| Name | Basin | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Anandpur Barrage Canal Irrigation | Brahmani and Baitarani | Major |
| Baitarani Major Irrigation Project | Brahmani and Baitarani | Major |
| Salandi Major Irrigation Project | Brahmani and Baitarani | Major |
| Rusikulya System Irrigation | East-flowing rivers between Mahanadi and Pennar | Major |
| Potteru Major Irrigation Project | Godavari | Major |
| Upper Kolab Major Irrigation Project | Godavari | Major |
| Upper Indravati Multipurpose Project | Godavari, Mahanadi | Major |
| Mahanadi Birupa Barrage Project | Mahanadi | Major |
| Narai Barrage Irrigation Project | Mahanadi | Major |
| Salki Major Irrigation Project | Mahanadi | Major |
| Sunei Major Irrigation Project | Subarnarekha | Major |
These projects play a vital role in improving agricultural productivity and ensuring water availability for farmers across the state.
Government Initiatives for Irrigation in Odisha
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
- Launched in 2015-16, PMKSY has four major components:
- Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP)
- Har Khet Ko Pani
- Per Drop More Crop
- Watershed Development
- The Odisha Watershed Development Mission (OWDM) is the nodal agency for PMKSY in the state. The preparation of District Irrigation Plans (DIPs) is a mandatory requirement for implementation.
- Launched in 2015-16, PMKSY has four major components:
- Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)
- Introduced in 2009, IWMP operates in clusters covering 5,000–6,000 hectares across 26 districts, excluding Puri, Kendrapada, Bhadrak, and Jagatsinghpur.
- Six project batches in 310 clusters have been sanctioned, covering 17.02 lakh hectares across Odisha.
- Biju Krushak Vikash Yojana (BKVY)
- Launched in 2001, this scheme focuses on reviving derelict projects and constructing new minor irrigation systems with community participation.
- Beneficiaries contribute 10% of the project’s capital cost in scheduled areas and 20% in non-scheduled areas.
- Odisha Watershed Development Mission
- Established on June 30, 2000, this mission aims to foster social and economic transformation by developing sustainable natural resources.
- 35% Irrigation Master Plan
- To promote equitable irrigation development, the state government has pledged to provide irrigation facilities to at least 35% of the cultivable land in each block.
- Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
- Under JICA, three major projects have been sanctioned:
- Upper Indravati Left Canal System
- Upper Kolab Irrigation Project
- Rengali Left Bank Canal
- Under JICA, three major projects have been sanctioned:
- Odisha Community Tank Management Project (OCTMP)
- A joint initiative of the Odisha and Indian governments, OCTMP aims to repair and rehabilitate approximately 900 minor irrigation tanks, covering 1.20 lakh hectares, with funding from the World Bank.
- Pani Panchayat
- Established under the Pani Panchayat Act, 2002, and Pani Panchayat Rules, 2003, this initiative ensures the optimal utilization of water for agricultural production.
- It extends to all command areas under major, medium, and minor irrigation projects.
- Odisha State Water Policy, 2007
- Based on the National Water Policy, 2002, this policy focuses on equitable and judicious water use for sustaining life, ensuring human welfare, and promoting balanced growth in the state.
- State Irrigation Panchayat Act and Rules
- The Odisha Irrigation Act, 1959, governs the construction and management of irrigation systems.
- Amended in 2002, it introduced revisions to irrigation systems and crop-specific water allocation.
These initiatives collectively aim to enhance irrigation infrastructure, improve water resource management, and boost agricultural productivity in Odisha.
Weaknesses of Irrigation in Odisha
Despite significant advancements in irrigation infrastructure, Odisha faces several challenges that limit its efficiency and equitable distribution. Some key weaknesses include:
- Uneven Irrigation Coverage
- While certain districts like Ganjam have extensive irrigation facilities, others, such as Jharsuguda and Krushna Prasad block in Puri, remain inadequately covered, highlighting regional disparities.
- The goal of achieving 35% irrigation coverage in every block is still a work in progress.
- Underutilization of Irrigation Potential
- Although substantial irrigation potential has been created (37.84 lakh hectares for Kharif and 18.07 lakh hectares for Rabi), only about 63.55% of this potential was utilized as of 2016-17.
- Dependence on Traditional Methods
- A significant portion of irrigation (approximately 65.76%) relies on wells, borewells, and tubewells, which can be unreliable during droughts or periods of groundwater depletion.
- Declining Contribution of Canals
- Despite Odisha’s robust canal network, their contribution to the net irrigated area is decreasing due to high investment costs, time-intensive construction, and maintenance challenges.
- Inadequate Minor Irrigation Projects
- Minor irrigation projects, which can be more cost-effective and easier to implement, are yet to reach their full potential. By 2017, only 6.63 lakh hectares of the assessed 9.70 lakh hectares had been covered.
- Seasonal and Climatic Challenges
- Odisha’s irrigation system is heavily influenced by monsoon patterns. Delays or deficits in rainfall severely impact the efficiency of irrigation sources, particularly those dependent on surface water.
- High Costs and Funding Constraints
- Large-scale irrigation projects often face delays due to financial constraints, leading to cost overruns and delayed benefits for farmers.
- Maintenance of existing systems is also underfunded, affecting their long-term viability.
- Environmental Concerns
- Overexploitation of groundwater in regions relying on wells and borewells can lead to depletion, impacting long-term water availability.
- Construction of large irrigation projects often disrupts local ecosystems and communities.
- Lack of Modernization
- Despite efforts under schemes like PMKSY and JICA, many irrigation systems in Odisha remain outdated, leading to inefficiencies in water distribution and usage.
- Poor Community Participation
- Initiatives like Pani Panchayats aim to involve farmers in water management, but their implementation often faces challenges such as lack of awareness, inadequate training, and poor coordination.
Addressing these weaknesses through targeted policy interventions, improved infrastructure, and sustainable water management practices will be crucial for Odisha to maximize the benefits of its irrigation systems and ensure equitable agricultural development.
Way Forward to Address Irrigation Weaknesses in Odisha
To overcome the challenges in Odisha’s irrigation system and ensure sustainable agricultural growth, a multi-pronged approach is essential. Below are key recommendations to address the identified weaknesses:
- Achieving Equitable Coverage
- Accelerate efforts to achieve 35% irrigation coverage in every block by prioritizing underdeveloped regions like Jharsuguda and Krushna Prasad block.
- Implement targeted investments in districts with the least irrigation facilities to reduce regional disparities.
- Enhancing Utilization of Irrigation Potential
- Strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure full utilization of the irrigation potential created.
- Promote adoption of water-efficient technologies such as micro-irrigation systems (drip and sprinkler) under schemes like PMKSY.
- Diversifying and Modernizing Irrigation Sources
- Reduce overreliance on wells and borewells by diversifying sources, including small reservoirs, rainwater harvesting systems, and efficient canal networks.
- Modernize canal systems with advanced technologies like automated gates, remote monitoring, and lined canals to reduce water loss.
- Expanding Minor Irrigation Projects
- Prioritize the development of minor irrigation projects such as lift irrigation schemes and farm ponds in areas with fragmented landholdings.
- Encourage farmer-led investments through subsidies and incentives under programs like Biju Krushak Vikash Yojana (BKVY).
- Addressing Seasonal and Climatic Challenges
- Build climate-resilient infrastructure, such as rainfed irrigation systems and drought-proofing measures.
- Integrate weather forecasting tools and crop advisory services to help farmers plan irrigation efficiently.
- Strengthening Maintenance and Funding
- Allocate dedicated funds for the repair and maintenance of existing irrigation infrastructure to extend its lifespan and improve efficiency.
- Leverage public-private partnerships (PPPs) to address funding gaps in irrigation projects.
- Promoting Sustainable Groundwater Management
- Regulate groundwater usage through policies that promote water conservation and recharge mechanisms like check dams and recharge wells.
- Create awareness among farmers about the risks of overexploitation and alternative water-saving practices.
- Improving Community Participation
- Strengthen the functioning of Pani Panchayats by providing capacity-building programs and regular training for farmers on water management.
- Foster greater collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to implement irrigation schemes effectively.
- Adopting Smart Irrigation Technologies
- Promote the use of IoT-based irrigation management systems to monitor water usage in real-time and optimize distribution.
- Provide financial and technical assistance to farmers for adopting such technologies.
- Addressing Environmental Concerns
- Conduct environmental impact assessments for all major irrigation projects to minimize ecological disruption.
- Integrate eco-friendly measures, such as afforestation and watershed development, to support the long-term sustainability of water resources.
- Policy Reforms and Institutional Strengthening
- Revise existing irrigation policies to incorporate modern challenges like climate change and groundwater depletion.
- Strengthen institutions like Odisha Watershed Development Mission and OSSOPCA to improve implementation and monitoring of irrigation projects.
By adopting these measures, Odisha can not only address the current weaknesses in its irrigation system but also ensure a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient framework that supports agricultural growth and water security for its population.
Conclusion
Irrigation plays a pivotal role in Odisha’s agricultural economy, supporting the livelihoods of a significant portion of the population. Over the decades, the state has made commendable strides in enhancing its irrigation infrastructure through a mix of traditional and modern approaches. From the establishment of large-scale multipurpose projects like the Hirakud and Upper Indravati dams to initiatives such as PMKSY and Biju Krushak Vikash Yojana, Odisha has consistently focused on ensuring water accessibility for agricultural sustainability.
Despite these efforts, challenges such as uneven distribution of irrigation facilities and underutilization of created potential persist. Government schemes, including the Pani Panchayat and Odisha Community Tank Management Project, aim to address these gaps by promoting equitable and judicious use of water resources.
With its comprehensive irrigation policies, significant investments, and community-driven projects, Odisha is well-positioned to further improve its agricultural productivity. However, continued focus on sustainable development, equitable distribution, and efficient utilization of water resources will be key to ensuring long-term success. The state’s commitment to achieving 35% irrigation coverage in every block reflects a promising vision toward inclusive agricultural growth and water security for all.