Odisha to expand irrigation to 15 lakh hectares in five years: CM Mohan Charan Majhi

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday said the state government aims to provide irrigation facilities to an additional 15 lakh hectares over the next five years , emphasising that efficient water management is key to the state’s economic growth . Speaking at the state-level Pani Panchayat fortnight, 2026 , Majhi highlighted the importance of modern irrigation practices for sustainable agriculture.

He noted that 40,380 Pani Panchayats currently manage irrigation across 24.12 lakh hectares , ensuring equitable water distribution and reducing wastage, unlike traditional methods that often lead to water loss, soil salinity, and waterlogging . Majhi said the expansion will be achieved through major, medium, and minor projects, lift and mega lift schemes, underground pipelines, check dams, and river-linking initiatives .

Highlighting Odisha’s plans in a broader national context, he referred to the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project in Telangana , which under its Detailed Project Report (DPR) was designed to irrigate about 18.26 lakh acres of new command area (roughly 7.4 lakh hectares) and stabilise another 4.71 lakh acres under existing schemes , with a total lift irrigation ambition of around 225–240 TMC of Godavari water . This comparison underscores the scale of Odisha’s irrigation ambitions.

Majhi cited ongoing and planned projects in Odisha, including the Khairibandhan Barrage in Mayurbhanj, Upper Lanth Project in Bolangir, Sandul Underground Pipeline, Brutanga Irrigation Project in Nayagarh , as well as various reservoirs, canals, and mega lift schemes across the state . He added that intra-state river linking and integrated water distribution projects are also being pursued to optimise water availability and improve drought resilience.

Looking ahead, the Chief Minister said Odisha aims to provide irrigation to over 90% of cultivable land by 2036 , with the goal of transforming the state into a prosperous and water-secure region . He encouraged farmers to diversify crops , including vegetables, fruits, and flowers, to increase income. Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo added that the government is working to improve market access and export opportunities for farmers, helping them fetch better prices and enhance livelihoods.