Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday launched the state-level Pani Panchayat initiative at the Bermuda Sports Ground in Bhubaneswar, emphasizing the critical role of irrigation and water management in agriculture. The event, attended by senior officials and stakeholders, featured key announcements, farmer recognitions, and a renewed vision for agricultural development in the state.
In his address, Chief Minister Majhi directed authorities to conduct elections and audits for the Pani Panchayats, suggesting their transformation into agricultural marketing centers. He praised the contributions of irrigation scientists and farmers, noting that Odisha now not only feeds 140 crore Indians but also exports food globally.
To ensure efficient water distribution, the Chief Minister announced ambitious plans, including:
- 2,400 km of new concrete canals in 80,000 hectares by FY 2028-29.
- Reconstruction of 1,860 km of old field canals in 62,000 hectares.
“Our priority is to ensure efficient use of water, equitable distribution, and adequate irrigation for farmers’ land,” Majhi said, highlighting the critical role of 39,000 Pani Panchayats currently managing water resources in the state.
Majhi revealed that over ₹13,223 crore has been allocated in the current budget for water resource development. Several irrigation projects, including the Bartang Irrigation Project in Nayagarh and the Upper Lanth Irrigation Project in Bolangir, are being expedited. He noted the integration of digital technology for soil moisture measurement and collaborations with institutions like the Indian Institute of Water Management (ICAR) and Xavier University for skill development.
Addressing farmers, Majhi acknowledged their role as the backbone of Odisha’s development. He announced ₹291 crore in relief assistance for 6.66 lakh farmers affected by unseasonal rains, reiterating the state’s commitment to their welfare.
“Farmers are the source of our development. If they prosper, Odisha prospers,” Majhi said, urging farmers to participate actively in state initiatives.
The event also celebrated the achievements of Pani Panchayat members, with special recognition given to successful farmers like Sashmita Nayak from Dhenkanal and Bagal Charan Brahma from Keonjhar. Development Commissioner Anu Garg highlighted the increasing participation of women in Pani Panchayats and their impactful contributions.
A coffee table book, ‘Irrigation Partnership 3.0’, was released, and a short film on irrigation partnerships was screened. Farmers like Kriti Vidyarthi were honored for their success stories, adding inspiration to the event’s narrative.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, also the Agriculture Minister, reaffirmed the state’s focus on market linkages for farmers and urged the judicious use of water. Senior officials, including Dr. Arabinda Padhee, Principal Secretary of Agriculture, and Chandra Shekhar Padhi, Chief Engineer of Water Resources, spoke about the state’s irrigation strategy.
