FM wants focus on irrigation projects for immediate results

New Delhi

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today made a strong pitch for working on irrigation projects to fuel economic growth of rural India and meet the Centre’s target to double income of farmers over the next few years.

Speaking during the inaugural session of fourth ‘India Water Week’, Jaitley noted that irrigation projects, vis- -vis infrastructure projects, bring “immediate results” in terms of growth and promised that the the Centre will help state governments in such efforts they “alone cannot fight the challenges” posed by erratic weather conditions among others.

“And the objective of the entire exercise is, even when you have adverse monsoon conditions, the rain-fed areas don’t starve, they still have and they do have benefit of good agricultural crop. And that is going to be the essence.

“You will have a contribution being made by agriculture to India’s economy and therefore, one of our basic targets today is to make sure the income of our rural population doubles over next few years. If that is to double, these are the various instruments including irrigation that we are using to make sure resources are fed into the rural areas,” Jaitley said.

Jaitley observed that the past two years were “most challenging” due to “less than adequate” monsoon, which he noted, resulted in “very marginal” growth of economy.

The Minister stated that the trend had its impact on services and manufacturing sector as it impacted the purchasing power of India’s 55 per cent population and underscored the need for conserving water and creation of irrigation projects to tackle such situation.

While noting that irrigation is “strictly” a state subject, Jaitley said the Centre will help states in completing such projects for ensuring availability of water.

During his speech, Jaitley also lauded BJP-ruled states such Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh for their irrigation projects for dry areas and agricultural growth attained thereby.

“Investment in irrigation almost gets you immediate result. If you create physical infrastructures in terms of highways, roads, railways, ports, airports, power, before it can contribute to growth and manufacturing, it will take a couple of seasons before the impact is seen.

“Irrigation is one area if you invest in irrigation now, and create a facility you almost get the impact in next season. And therefore, the states which have invested in irrigation have actually added to the growth process,” he said.

He said the Centre has made its contribution toward improving and creating irrigation infrastructure and said NABARD has been asked to create sufficient funds for large projects, while efforts are being made under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichai Yojana to fast track completion of unfinished works by 2017.

The Finance Minister also stated that Indian economy is doing “reasonably well” as far service sector is concerned.

He said that even though there is a demand problem world over, the manufacturing sector is “slowly picking up”.

The session was also attended by Union Ministers Uma Bharti, Birender Singh, Radha Mohan Singh, Prakash Javadekar, Sanwar Lal Jat, Israel’s Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. MORE PTI ENM

The Finance Minister rued that the country has not been “fair” in conserving water and said that majority of the rivers have become dry as he suggested undertaking water conservation efforts.

He also stressed on the need for developing a culture, “like in all matured civlisations and countries” of “tap water is drinking water”.

During her speech, Bharti hailed Centre’s decision to increase budgetary allocations for improving groundwater level across the country from Rs 60 crore to Rs 6,000 crore.

She also stated that the Union Water Resources Ministry will complete 40 irrigation projects along with states now instead of 23 as decided earlier under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichai Yojanaby 2017.

She also lauded India’s partner for the Water Week, Israel, for coming up with a success story in managing water and described that nation as a “guru” who can teach the world “how to save water”.

On his part, Ariel assured that his country will “co-operate” with India on water issues and sharing of technology.

Union Minister of State for Environment Javadekar said his ministry has undertaken efforts such as mandating rainwater harvesting projects, increasing green cover around rivers and catchment areas, sustainable sand mining among others.

The Minister also claimed the Government has managed to reduce industrial pollutants flowing into Ganga by 30 per cent.

He said the Environment Ministry will consider giving approvals to river-linking projects including Ken-Betwa to see river water is used before it reaches sea.

Meanwhile, Bharti launched a cell phone application ‘Jal Sanchayan’ comprising all components of rainwater harvesting in a single platform during the event.

According to the Water Resources Ministry, the application allows users to know from location conditions to calculate potential rainwater to be harvested in his/her location.

It also provides contract information of authorities, agencies, technical institutions and grass root community organisations working in water sector.

The event was also addressed by Rural Development Minister Birender Singh, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and Minister of State for Water Resources Sanwar Lal Jat.

Union Water Resources Secretary Shashi Shekhar attended the event, besides officials from central ministries, state governments and water experts.