Odisha's Mega Irrigation Plan: $2,738 Crore Boost for Farmers

The Odisha Cabinet has approved a five-year extension of the Mukhyamantri Adibandha Tiyari Yojana, covering the period from 2025-26 to 2029-30, with an estimated outlay of Rs 2,738 crore.

According to Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Phase III of the scheme aims to create irrigation potential over 57,525 hectares and restore 41,713 hectares of existing capacity. The plan includes the construction of 3,313 new check dams and the renovation of 3,529 existing ones, ensuring water access in regions reliant on temporary cross bunds. Beyond irrigation, the check dams will also support post-monsoon drinking water availability, groundwater recharge, and enhanced kharif crop irrigation in drought-prone areas.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Odisha Food Processing Policy, aimed at decentralising the approval of fiscal incentives. Under the revised structure:

A district-level committee chaired by the District Collector can approve projects with investments up to Rs 1 crore.

Projects with higher investment values will be reviewed by more senior committees, with proposals between Rs 10 crore and Rs 50 crore to be sanctioned by the MSME Secretary.

These decisions are expected to accelerate irrigation development and streamline industrial investment approvals across Odisha.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.