Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has launched a large-scale modern irrigation project in his home village Bagia under the Samriddhi Command Area Development and Water Management Modernization (M-CAD) scheme. The project, worth around ₹119 crore, aims to transform agriculture in the region by providing advanced irrigation facilities to farmers.
4,933 Hectares of Farmland to Get Reliable Irrigation
The ambitious project will bring approximately 4,933 hectares of agricultural land under modern irrigation coverage across 13 villages in the Kansabel development block of Jashpur district.
Villages included in the project are:
Bagia, Uskuti, Rajoti, Sujibahar, Chongribahar, Bansbahar, Dokda, Sikriya, Patratoli, Gahiradohar, Bihabal, Nariyardand, and Dhududand.
“Every Drop for Higher Productivity”: CM Vishnu Deo Sai
Speaking at the launch, CM Vishnu Deo Sai said the M-CAD project is not just an irrigation scheme but a model designed to ensure “more production from every drop of water.”
He emphasized that once completed, Jashpur will emerge as a model district for modern pressurized irrigation systems in India, reducing dependency on rainfall and improving agricultural output.
Shift from Rain-Based Farming to Modern Irrigation
Until now, farmers in the region largely depended on monsoon rains, which often affected crop productivity.
With the new system:
- Water will be supplied directly to fields through pipelines
- Irrigation efficiency will increase significantly
- Crop yield is expected to improve
- Water wastage will be minimized
Underground Pipeline System and Smart Water Management
A key highlight of the project is the use of a pressurized underground pipeline irrigation network, replacing traditional open canal systems.
This will:
- Reduce water loss
- Eliminate land acquisition issues
- Improve irrigation reach and efficiency
The system will be powered by solar energy, making it environmentally sustainable.
Smart Technology: SCADA and IoT-Based Irrigation System
The project will use advanced technologies such as:
- SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)
- IoT (Internet of Things)
These systems will enable real-time monitoring and data-driven water distribution, ensuring:
- Precise water delivery to farms
- Efficient resource management
- Reduced operational errors
6-Month Completion Target Set
Officials confirmed that the project is targeted for completion within six months. The scheme was launched under the guidance of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, with 34 M-CAD projects approved across 23 states, where Jashpur’s Bagia cluster is the only selected project from Chhattisgarh.
Farmers’ Committees and Women Participation
To ensure long-term sustainability, water user committees will manage operations and maintenance after the initial five-year period handled by contractors. The government has also ensured women’s participation in these committees, strengthening community involvement in water management.
Boost to Rural Economy and Farmer Income
Officials stated that the project will:
- Improve water-use efficiency
- Reduce farming costs
- Increase farmers’ income
- Strengthen climate resilience
It is also expected to generate new agriculture-based employment opportunities in the region.
Leaders Call Project a Game-Changer for Rural Development
Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu said the scheme will bring holistic development to villages and improve farmers’ prosperity. Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam described the project as a boon for farmers, stating that it will strengthen the rural economy and accelerate agricultural growth in Jashpur.
A Model for Future Smart Irrigation in India
With its combination of modern infrastructure, renewable energy, and digital water management, the Jashpur M-CAD irrigation project is being seen as a model for future smart agriculture initiatives in India, aiming to make farming more productive, sustainable, and profitable.
