Bhubaneswar, August 12: The State Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday approved “Execution of Parbati Giri Megalift Irrigation Project” with an outlay of Rs 12,458.04 crore for implementation out of State’s own resources over a period of five years - from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31 - to create an additional irrigation potential of 2,62,275 Ha through a total of 161 schemes in all districts of the State.

“Owing to the relatively low gestation period of Mega Lift Irrigation Projects, the benefits of assured irrigation will reach the farming community within a shorter timeframe compared to conventional irrigation projects,” said Water Resources Department statement.

The project incorporates a pressurized pipeline distribution system that is fully compatible with micro-irrigation technologies, thereby enhancing water use efficiency and promoting the judicious utilization of available water resources. The availability of assured irrigation is expected to encourage farmers to diversify from water-intensive paddy cultivation to high-value cash crops, leading to improved agricultural productivity and higher farm incomes. Further, the project will facilitate an increase in cropping intensity by enabling cultivation during multiple crop seasons and reducing dependence on monsoon rainfall, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural development in the State.

Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for the majority of Odisha's population. Despite significant expansion of irrigation infrastructure, a considerable area of cultivable land remains rainfed, making agriculture vulnerable to erratic rainfall, droughts, and climate change.

To address this challenge, the Government of Odisha has prioritized the development of Mega Lift Irrigation Projects in upland and water-deficit areas where conventional gravity irrigation is not feasible.

These projects utilize surface water through efficient underground pipeline (UGPL) distribution systems, minimizing conveyance losses and enhancing water-use efficiency. Since inception, 209 Mega Lift Irrigation schemes have been completed, creating an irrigation potential of 2.66 lakh hectares across 23 districts.