As many as 99 out of 314 blocks in the State have less than 35 per cent irrigation facility now, informed Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the State Assembly on Monday.
In response to a question of BJD MlA Prafulla Samal, the Chief Minister said by the financial year 2004-05, 198 blocks had less than 35 per cent irrigation facilities and by efforts of the Government 99 blocks got 35 per cent irrigation facilities by December 2016.
“Now efforts are being made to provide irrigation facilities to 35 per cent farm lands in the rest 99 blocks by 2018-19,” the Chief Minister said.
He said irrigation projects, check dams, deep bore wells and minor lift irrigation projects are under in the rest blocks for the purpose.
A tota of 17 projects under mega and medium irrigation facilities are underway for over five years in the State.