Underground Irrigation Systems Boost Agricultural Productivity in Madhesh Province

Janakpurdham. Underground irrigation systems are proving effective in increasing agricultural productivity. Farmers have reported significant relief due to the underground irrigation systems established by the Madhesh Province government in districts including Dhanusha and Mahottari with the objective of providing irrigation facilities.

Farmer Ramesh Sah from Bardibas Municipality-2, Mahottari, stated that this technology has been a boon for farmers in situations where irrigation depends on rainwater or is unavailable from canals and rivers. He mentioned that this technology facilitates not only crop irrigation but also daily water consumption.

Deep tube wells and power drills have been installed in rural areas through the Water Resources and Underground Irrigation Development Division Office. According to the received details, one deep tube well irrigates 40 bighas of land. Engineer Amlesh Yadav from the office informed that 35 deep tube wells have been installed so far in Mahottari and Dhanusha, irrigating 1,400 bighas of arable land.

The construction and operation of a single deep tube well structure cost over Rs 10 million. Engineer Yadav also informed that 50 power drills are currently constructed and operational in the two districts. According to the details received from the office, 81 more power drills are under construction since the last fiscal year.

“One power drill irrigates nine bighas of land. The construction and operation of one power drill cost Rs 1.6 million. These 50 power drills, constructed at a total cost of approximately Rs 12.96 million, are currently irrigating 450 bighas of land,” said Engineer Yadav.

Office Chief Nayan Pokhrel informed that 1,850 bighas of land are being irrigated through deep tube wells and power drills in both districts. He stated that the office, established in B.S. 2041 for the expansion of underground irrigation facilities, has been continuously working in this sector. “We have been working for a long time for underground irrigation facilities. After the implementation of federalism, we are working under the provincial government. There is a scarcity of water in naturally flowing rivers and streams in Madhesh Province. Underground irrigation systems are the most suitable alternative here. We are expanding irrigation facilities by utilizing them,” he said.

Engineer Yadav mentioned that in recent years, problems have arisen due to the decreasing water table and the theft of important spare parts from the installed deep tube wells. “Some problems have occurred because the transformers of more than a dozen deep tube wells have been stolen. The copper coil in the transformer is also being stolen. We have informed the police administration about this issue repeatedly, but the problem has not been resolved,” he said.