Rs 1,500 Crore Irrigation Investment Planned For Barak Valley Over Four Years: Pijush Hazarika in Silchar

Assam Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika has said that at least Rs 1,500 crore will be invested in irrigation projects across Barak Valley’s 13 Assembly constituencies over the next four years, combining funds from the Assam Government and the Centre.

Speaking during his visit to Cachar on Thursday (29 October), Hazarika said discussions had been held on the proposed investment, stressing that agricultural development was essential for Assam’s overall progress.

The minister also indicated that the investment could reach Rs 2,000 crore, while reiterating that at least Rs 1,500 crore is being discussed to be invested in irrigation in the coming years.

During his three-day visit to Barak Valley, Hazarika inspected oil palm cultivation at Dewan Tea Estate and pineapple plantations in the Hmarkhawlien area of Lakhipur. He also interacted with farmers to understand their concerns and reviewed agriculture and irrigation projects with officials at the Cachar District Commissioner’s office in Silchar.

At the review meeting, the minister directed officials to speed up farmer registration and address problems arising from incomplete digitisation of land records. He noted that delays in updating land records were preventing some farmers from accessing government schemes.

Hazarika said he would visit the Revenue Department in Guwahati alongside ministers Kaushik Rai and Krishnendu Paul to discuss the issue and explore ways to ensure farmers receive their registrations as soon as possible. He said the delays could affect their access to benefits under schemes such as PM-KISAN.

The minister also called for the expansion of oil palm cultivation, makhana farming in wetlands and agar cultivation to improve rural incomes. He further announced plans to distribute five to six lakh fruit and horticultural saplings annually in every Assembly constituency from next year.

During the review of irrigation infrastructure, Hazarika stressed the need to expand effective irrigation projects and provide solar-powered irrigation pumps to small landholding farmers.

The proposed investment of at least Rs 1,500 crore, if implemented, could support irrigation infrastructure across Barak Valley over the next four years. However, details of the funding arrangements, project allocations, and implementation timeline were not provided in the information available.

The investment figure and proposed commitments have been attributed to the minister. Their implementation will depend on the relevant government decisions and funding arrangements.