Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Chhaigaonmakhan lift irrigation project will prove to be a blessing for the farmers of Nimar region. He was performing bhoomi –poojan of lift irrigation project costing around Rs 536.99 crore at Chhaigaonmakhan of Khandwa district.
Chouhan mentioned that this project will be constructed adopting new technique. Irrigation water will be provided to the farmlands by pipelines in place of canals to bring prosperity in farmers’ lives. At the request of MP Nandkumar Singh Chouhan, Chouhan announced that those Chhaigaon villages which are not included in this project will be included in it shortly.
Chouhan said that beside this project to facilitate irrigation on 5.37 lakh hectare area of Nimar region, Sihara-Jawar lift irrigation project and Bhikangaon-Edalwada lift irrigation projects have been approved. This will transform the socio-economic condition of the farmers of this region. He further mentioned that State Government is making efforts rigorously to make agriculture a profitable occupation and for the welfare of farmers. Keeping in account the same, interest rate on agriculture has been lowered to zero percent from 18 percent. He said that Maa Narmada water being provided for irrigation will bring prosperity in the lives of farmers. Chouhan mentioned that it is the responsibility of the villages not to pollute Maa Narmada and to undertake plantation in large number on the banks of Maa Narmada to ensure plentiful water availability all the time.
He also administered pledge to the villagers for construction of toilet in their houses, to quit addiction, to educate girls and not to discriminate between girl and a boy. He said that arrangements are being made establishing water treatment plants in cities situated on the banks of river Narmada to stop release of sewage water in it. He appealed to the village to accord historic and grand welcome to the yatra in every village coming to Khandwa next month.
Chouhan said that by bringing amendments in revenue book circular, increased amount is being provided to the farmers against damage to crops by natural calamities. He informed that an amount of Rs 171 crore has been approved under the crop insurance scheme for farmers of Khandwa district, which is being deposited in farmers’ bank accounts shortly.
Minister of State for Narmada Valley Development (Independent Charge) lal Singh Arya said that many development works have been undertaken in the State during 10 years under the leadership of the Chief Minister Chouhan more than the development works carried out in 50 years after the foundation of Madhya Pradesh state. He further said that water for irrigation will be provided by pipeline in this project. Every drop of Narmada water will help farmers to irrigate their land and land acquisition will also be done on smaller scale. This project is proposed to be completed within 36 months.