Guwahati, 10 September (HS): Assam Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Pijush Hazarika on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials and registered contractors of the Irrigation Department at the PWD Convention Centre in Dispur, stressing timely execution and quality of irrigation projects across the state.

Hazarika said around 70% of Assam's population depends on agriculture, while irrigation coverage extends to only 21% of the cultivated land. He said expanding irrigation facilities to agricultural fields remains the department's primary responsibility.

The minister said the Irrigation Department has set a target of spending ₹6,000 crore over the next five years, a significant rise from the ₹1,400 crore spent during the preceding five-year period.

He also said a major proposal under Externally Aided Projects (EAP) has been submitted to the Centre to strengthen irrigation infrastructure. Funds for maintenance and repair works will be released in advance to district offices from next year, he said, urging field-level officials to make full use of the allocations.

Hazarika cautioned contractors against taking up projects they cannot complete within the stipulated timeframe, asserting that the department's objective is to provide tangible benefits to farmers and not merely generate employment for contractors.

Stressing that there would be no compromise on quality, the minister directed engineers to conduct thorough site inspections and not issue completion certificates without physical verification. At the same time, he asked officials to ensure that contractors' bills are processed without unnecessary delays.

To reduce structural costs and expand coverage under Lift Irrigation Schemes (LIS), Hazarika advised engineers to minimise intake points while increasing distribution points.

He further said agriculture should move beyond being viewed merely as a means of livelihood for the poor and shift towards high-value horticulture and commercial farming to increase farmers' incomes.

The minister also directed that irrigation projects should not remain confined to administrative district boundaries and should cover contiguous agricultural areas wherever necessary.---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash