The top priority of the Chhattisgarh government is to ensure maximum irrigation facilities to farmers, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said on Monday.
The former Chief Minister of undivided Madhya Pradesh, the late Shyamacharan Shukla, used to say that if farmers are provided water through irrigation, they can develop by themselves, Baghel said.
During a public contact programme in his Assembly constituency, he was addressing in village Ranitarai of Patan Tehsil of Durg district, an official communication said.
The Chief Minister announced the construction of permanent structures on the left side bank of Kharun river. A similar structure had been built towards Dhamtari district on the river.
The villagers had raised the issue of soil erosion.
He announced a project under Solar community irrigation project for villages of Khapri, Odaragahan and Chulgahan at a cost of Rs 5 crore. He also sanctioned projects for lift irrigation facilities in rivulets-rivers where it is possible.
Baghel said in south Patan, water arrives from the Tandula irrigation Project but being the tail end the water availability is less. Through a solar lift scheme, the ponds can be filled which will increase irrigation facilities. If ponds are non-existing, they can be constructed.
Recalling his visit to vegetable farming by women self-help groups in village Kesra, Kauhi and Borenda, he said the excitement is seen on the face of women and also reflected in their work.
The government is working on such schemes to make the village self-reliant with participation of villagers. It is promoting integrated work culture linked to farm lands.