Lumbini Province Observes Irrigation Day, Focuses on Sustainable Agricultural Growth

Butwal. Irrigation Day has been observed in Lumbini Province. During a program organized by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Chief Minister Chetnarayan Acharya stated that the government will pay special attention to strengthening the relationship between irrigation management and agricultural production.

Chief Minister Acharya highlighted that the drying up of rivers and streams due to climate change, along with the desertification of land, poses a serious challenge. He emphasized the need for timely discussions and concrete plans to prevent productive land from turning into wasteland.

He stressed the need to end the practice of leaving land fallow in areas with irrigation facilities and clarified that the government is committed to engaging farmers in production. Noting that it is ironic that state-funded irrigation projects are not yielding expected returns, he called for the expansion of farming in those areas.

Recalling that only 20 percent of land had year-round irrigation facilities when the province was established, Chief Minister Acharya informed that this figure has now reached 35 percent. He stated that this achievement must be expanded in a more scientific and sustainable manner.

During the program, Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Sita Sharma Chaudhary stated that the provincial government is working according to a policy of expanding year-round irrigation facilities.

Former Irrigation Minister Bir Bahadur Rana mentioned that the foundation for becoming self-reliant in production has been laid and emphasized the need for farmer-centric programs.

Provincial Planning Commission member Shanta Devi Dhakal emphasized strengthening irrigation infrastructure while prioritizing the agricultural sector.

Bhimlal Chaudhary, Secretary of the Praganna Kulo Irrigation System Water Users' Association Main Coordination Committee, stated that the government should pay more attention to irrigation expansion for agricultural development.

Ministry Secretary Churna Bahadur Oli presented a report on the progress made so far. Representatives from the Babai Irrigation Project and the Naumure Multipurpose Project shared their views on the status and challenges of the projects.

During the program, the Praganna Kulo Irrigation System Water Users' Association Main Coordination Committee in Deukhuri was honored as the best water users' committee.

Similarly, Technical Officer Hari Prasad Awasthi of the Water Resources and Irrigation Development Division Office, Bardiya, and Office Assistant Pomanarayan Subedi of Gulmi were awarded as the best employees.