Gandhinagar, Nov. 7 – Gujarat is pushing a new irrigation method that could change farming in the state’s remote, hilly areas. Since taking office, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has signed on to “lift pipeline technology,” a system that pushes water from lower reservoirs up to fields on higher ground. The move is part of a broader effort to bring reliable irrigation to tribal communities and boost crop yields.
Over the last seven years, the Gujarat government has poured 5,115 crore rupees into irrigation projects that cover more than 1.39 million acres of farmland in tribal districts. In the most recent three‑year window (2023‑25), spending reached 2,212 crore rupees, while 2,903 crore rupees went into projects from 2019‑22. The state’s Water Resources Minister, Ishwarsinh Patel, said the priority is farmers’ prosperity and the availability of water throughout the year.
The lift‑pipeline system is a key part of the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana, a program launched by former Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. The first phase of the scheme has already made water available in 708 villages across six tribal districts. Now, under Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana 2.0, several new projects worth 3,779 crore rupees are underway to irrigate an additional 1.44 million acres in the remaining tribal areas. These projects are scheduled for completion on time.
Before lift pipelines, many tribal farms relied on erratic rainfall and limited water access. The new technology provides a steady, controlled supply that reduces water waste and manual labor. Farmers can now plant multiple crops a year, improving both output and income. The Ministry says this will lift the overall quality of life for communities that have long faced water shortages.
Lift‑pipeline technology is especially useful in hilly or arid regions where the water source sits below the farmland. By using a network of closed pipelines and pumps, water is lifted to higher elevations and delivered right to the fields, cutting down on evaporation and runoff.
With the success of the first phase, Gujarat aims to use this modern irrigation method to bring year‑round water to every tribal village. The state’s focus on irrigation, agriculture, and tribal development is expected to strengthen the local economy and empower farming families across the state.
Source: ianslive
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