Dahi Micro Lift Irrigation Project: There is great news for farmers in Madhya Pradesh. The state government has launched a major project to improve irrigation facilities for farmers. On November 15, 2024—coinciding with the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda—Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inaugurated the ‘Dahi Micro Lift Irrigation Project’ at an event held in the Dhar district.
The project has been completed at a cost of approximately ₹1,353.18 crore.
It will benefit around 1.26 lakh farmers across approximately 126 villages in the Dhar and Alirajpur districts. A key feature of this project is that it will transport water from the Narmada River directly to the fields, facilitating the irrigation of *Rabi* (winter) crops.
Project Cost
The Dahi Irrigation Project was developed by the Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA) at a total cost of approximately ₹1,353.18 crore. Its primary objective is to provide irrigation facilities to farmers who lack sufficient water for cultivation. Water will be lifted and delivered to the farmers’ fields, helping them increase the water available for agricultural purposes.
Benefits for 126 Villages
A total of 126 villages across the Dhar and Alirajpur districts will benefit from this project—comprising 84 villages from the Dhar district and 42 from the Alirajpur district. In total, approximately 1.26 lakh farmers will gain from this initiative. By providing water from the Narmada River for irrigation, the project will offer significant relief to farming families who depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
Irrigation Coverage (in Hectares)
A notable aspect of this Madhya Pradesh government project is its capacity to irrigate approximately 47,000 hectares of farmland. Farmers will particularly benefit from this during the *Rabi* (winter) cropping season. Farmers will receive support for the cultivation of wheat, gram, and other Rabi crops. They will no longer have to rely solely on rainfall; the availability of excellent irrigation facilities will open up even greater possibilities for agriculture.
A gift of over ₹334 crore for farmers in Madhya Pradesh
Notably, Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav were present at an event held in Dhar district to mark the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. During this programme, the government announced a package worth ₹334 crore for the development and welfare of the tribal community. The primary objective of this project is to foster the development of the local population, ensuring they gain access to high-quality facilities.