Implementation of MI schemes needs united effort
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 17 2015 :
A united effort of Minor Irrigation (MI) Department and farmers is needed in proper implementation of all on-going schemes taken up under MI in the State, department's Chief Engineer L Gourakishwor stated on Tuesday.
The Chief Engineer was attending a two-day awareness programme on Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) at the MI office, Lamphelpat.
The programme was jointly organized by the State MI Department and North Eastern Regional Institute of Water & Land Management, Tejpur.
At the inaugural function of the awareness programme, the Chief Engineer added that his department has been making various efforts to draw water from rivers for irrigation purposes.
He informed that Manipur now has 104 River Lift Projects and 570 PW schemes taken up by the Irrigation Department.
Under RLI scheme water drawing from rivers will be supplied to farmland and hence such schemes sometime become unworkable if river beds are dried up.
He also said there is need to set up Water Users' Associations (WUAs) to be represented by area concerned Panchayat bodies, MI engineers and farmland owners.
He said proper functioning of such schemes will immensely benefit farmers who need to extend cooperation.
Assistant Professor at North Eastern Regional Institute of Water & Land Management, Tejpur, Dr YM Hazarika and Research Associate CH Victoria were on the dais.
Several farmers from different parts of the State are also taking part in the awareness programme.