Dhemaji-Jonai Division (Irrigation), Dhemaji
Introduction:
The Irrigation Schemes, situated in Dhemaji LAC area and Jonai LAC area, have emerged as a beacon of agricultural transformation in the region. This success story highlights the scheme's pivotal role in revolutionizing farming practices and enhancing agricultural productivity.
Key Achievements:
1. Crop Diversity and Increased Yields:
The irrigation schemes has facilitated the cultivation of a diverse array of crops, including cabbage, pumpkin, beetroot, bottle gourd, potato, wheat (Pre-Kharif) and Boro Sali Hybrid rice (Pre-Kharif). Farmers have witnessed remarkable increases in yields, with crops such as cabbage and pumpkin yielding 10 quintals per Bigha, contributing to a substantial total production of 50 quintals for cabbage and 40 quintals for pumpkin.
2. Year-Round Cultivation:
By providing reliable access to water, the irrigation schemes has enabled farmers to practice multiple cropping, including Pre-Kharif crops like wheat and Boro Hybrid rice, alongside traditional Sali cultivation. This diversification of cropping patterns has reduced farmers' dependency on rainwater and ensured year-round agricultural activity, leading to economic stability and food security.
3. Employment Opportunities and Community Development:
(a)These schemes have generated employment opportunities for local unemployed youth, fostering economic empowerment and livelihood improvement within the community.
(b) Moreover, the increased agricultural productivity has contributed to overall community development by ensuring food security, enhancing farm incomes, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
4. Government Support and Collaboration:
(a)The success of the above Irrigation Schemes can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of irrigation officers and field staff.
(b)These stakeholders have provided crucial technical assistance, motivation, and guidance to farmers, thereby facilitating the adoption of modern agricultural techniques and ensuring the scheme's sustainability.
5. Schematic Information:-
Irrigation Schemes Practiced at Present by the Department
- Flow Irrigation Schemes
- Lift Irrigation Schemes
- Tube Well Schemes
At Present, Dhemaji-Jonai Division is successfully providing Irrigation facilities through 1 no. of Flow Irrigation Scheme, 11 nos. of Electrically Operated Deep Tube Well Schemes, 5 nos. of Solar Powered Medium Deep Tube Well Schemes, 300 nos. of Shallow Tube Well Schemes, 6 nos. of Solar & Electrically Operated Hybrid Tube Well Schemes implemented under various Central & State Government Programs. These Irrigation schemes have been enriching a gross cropped area of 1850 hectares with plans to expand and reach more needy farmers in the near future. This expansion is supported by a mix of government initiatives including PMKSY-HKKP, SOPD, SCSP, TSP and RIDF-NABARD-funded projects, aiming to enhance the state’s agricultural output and water management efficiency.
6. Approach Towards Convergence:
For maximum utilization of existing irrigation facilities, both Irrigation & Agriculture Department are trying to formulate strategies to motivate farmers for optimum utilization of irrigation water for multiple cropping, adopting the right crops, adopting crops according to soil condition through extensive awareness programs among farmers.
7. Irrigation Project Monitoring System (IPMS):
Irrigation Project Monitoring System (IPMS) comprising of INO Irrigation Web Portal (https://irrigationassam.in) was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister, Irrigation Department on 28th September ‘2021 with a motive to bring Departmental Officials, Contractors and Farmers in one platform for better monitoring of schemes, transparency and effective service delivery.
This portal is connected to three user-friendly apps namely Irrigation Khetiyak Bondhu App for Farmers, INO Irrigation App for Irrigation Departmental Officials and INO Irrigation App for Contractors, which can be downloaded from Google Play Store.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Irrigation Schemes stands as a testament to the transformative power of strategic water management in agriculture. Through its provision of reliable water supply, support for multiple cropping, and promotion of community development, these schemes have significantly improved the agricultural landscape of Dhemaji, and serves as a model for sustainable rural development initiatives.