Nurtured with the nectar of its revered rivers, Punjab which is known as the ‘Bread Basket’ of the country, now looks forward to a green, more productive and prosperous future. Leading the nation while producing grains and known for the Panj Dariya that has flown across the land, the state faced decades of scarcity when it came to water woes. But gone are the days when Punjab farmers struggled to irrigate their fields. With its focused and continued efforts, the Punjab Government is not only ensuring canal water for agriculture but also improving the depleting water levels.

The fruitful endeavours

In the last two years, Rs 2100 crore has been spent to revamp the canals.13,000 km of canals have been cleaned, increasing the yield and thus the income of the farmers in Punjab. In a few districts in the Malwa region, the water has reached after a gap of 25 to 30 years. More than a thousand acres of additional land in the zone has been brought under irrigation after two decades. Earlier, it was the rich and powerful, who denied access to the farmers. For the first time, farmers have started getting their share of water. The usage of canal water for agriculture has increased to 84 percent as compared to 74 percent during the previous Government’s reign. The Sardulgarh assembly constituency of Bathinda has been provided water for irrigation. Water has now reached the Kandi Canal in Hoshiarpur district, which is immensely benefiting the farmers. It is upsetting to know that even after spending Rs 700 crore, the canal water was out of reach. Rs 450 crore was spent on Bist Doab Canal by the Akali Govt and thousands of trees were cut but with no positive outcome.

Receiving what is rightfully ours

Thousands of acres of agricultural land will now be irrigated with the water of Shahpur Kandi Dam, which earlier went to Pakistan. The completion of which was pending for the last 26 years. The Punjab govt will make Barabandis and Chakkabandis in the next six months putting an end to the conflicts among farmers. It has been their mission to let the small farmers get their full share of water. The govt has been successful in resolving the long-standing disputes concerning farmers.

Towards greener prospective

Canal water will not only irrigate the fields but will write a story of progress and prosperity. Caring for the farm households will ensure growth and stability for our farmers, making the land richer and abundant.