Bhubaneswar: Irrigation is the backbone of agriculture, and states that prioritize it are reaping the rewards. Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation (OLIC) is a shining example, with its deep tube wells and group irrigation projects making a significant impact, expressed Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja as the Chief Guest on the occasion of the 52nd Foundation Day of OLIC.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja stated that farmers and Pani Panchayat play a vital role in irrigation through Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation (OLIC). With years of experience, farmers are now leveraging new technologies to boost agricultural growth, facilitated by digital media. Ahuja emphasized the importance of field visits to other states for knowledge sharing and strengthening Pani Panchayat.
Anu Garg, Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, the Water Resources Department, noted that OLIC’s irrigation program has improved significantly over the past five years, with the corporation’s financial position also strengthened. Currently, all irrigation to farmlands is being carried out through large, medium, and small-scale irrigation systems, with approximately 50% of it managed by OLIC. The corporation can now install around 18,000 projects annually.
Sudhansu Mohan Samal, OLIC Managing Director, welcomed attendees and highlighted the corporation’s success. Established in 1973, OLIC achieved “Gold Category” PSU status in two years. Irrigation capacity is increasing through projects utilizing surface and groundwater. To date, OLIC has implemented 1.71 lakh projects, creating irrigation capacity for 15.96 lakh hectares. In 2023-24, 18,944 projects were implemented, covering 1.22 lakh hectares, he added.
Alongside new projects, defunct tube wells are being repaired for irrigation. Advanced technologies have quadrupled project completion rates. This year’s target is to irrigate 1 lakh 22 thousand 648 hectares, prioritizing preparedness.
Samal emphasized training for Pani Panchayat, project implementation, and maintenance. Rs. 1084.38 crores have been allocated for defunct tubewells over five years. Priorities include universal irrigation access and addressing lift irrigation issues in coordination with Pani Panchayat, OREDA, and the Agriculture Department.
The event featured a documentary on OLIC’s achievements, the launch of an online portal for restoring defunct group irrigation projects, and an e-service book titled ‘Bari Barenyam’ highlighting OLIC and Pani Panchayat’s success story.
Guidelines, brochures, and FAQs were also released for effective project management. Chief Secretary Ahuja visited a photo exhibition showcasing OLIC’s success, and Executive Director Sibasis Padhi delivered the vote of thanks. The program drew a large attendance of farmers, women farmers, Pani Panchayat members, OLIC officials, and engineers from the Water Resources Department.
