Noting that the rural job flagship scheme had been used for creation and augmentation of irrigation assets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for integration of the NREGA with the overall plan of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY).

The PMKSY aims to ensure ample water supply to farmers round the year. Modi was chairing a high-level meeting involving the Ministries of Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Development where he directed a multi-pronged approach to the ultimate goal of providing irrigation for every farm through the PMKSY.

The Prime Minister also sought precise monitoring of outcomes in this regard, according to a statement by the PMO. At the macro-level, Modi asked the Ministry of Water Resources to identify river-interlinking projects that could be immediately taken up. He also called for comprehensive mapping and identification of water bodies across the country. He said satellite imagery and 3D photography could be used to guide villages to best possible sources of irrigation, the statement added.

The Prime Minister also asked concerned departments to look into the possibility of identifying progressive farmers, who could take the lead in implementing water conservation and innovative irrigation techniques, it said.

The statement said that integrating water recycling projects of key towns and cities to irrigation in nearby rural areas has also been stressed. Modi also emphasized the importance of generating consciousness among people towards water conservation, said the statement.