Top priority given for micro irrigation: CM

Hyderabad, Sept 23 :

 The Chief Minister Mr. K. Rosaiah on Wednesday  said that all the irrigation projects launched by the former Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy should be completed right on schedule and top priority should be given to micro irrigation, which was the dream of the late Dr Reddy. As per the wishes of Dr YSR, every drop of water should be preciously utilised and should not be wasted. 

The Chief Minister reviewed the new micro irrigation plans with ministers and officials at Secretariat. The Chief Minister said last acre of the tail-end ayacut also should get water. He was told that Andhra Pradesh today is on the top of States in micro irrigation projects. Under Micro irrigation, it is planned to provide water to 5,40,800 acres under various projects. The total cost of these projects were estimated at Rs. 2146.62 crores but under the new plan and model it was explained that it would cost only Rs.719.50 crores. 

The new proposal for micro irrigation plan model take into account the rainfall, cropping pattern, slope, bore well availability and ground water status and arrive at crop water requirement and need of supplemental irrigation; estimate and minimise the distribution and on farm application losses and to achieve 15,000 acres per TMC of water.

The Chief Minister was explained that to achieve 15,000 acres per TMC, steps like lining up to sub minors; Pipe system instead of field channels as per suitability; Convert Paddy to SRI Paddy or I.D. crop by involving WUAs; Link up all existing bores with drip and achieve possible 2/3 crops with enhanced possibility to recharge ground water; Usage of new proven technology of drip with low energy system using high head of water and probable coverage of 25% ayacut under micro irrigation. Sump and lift model is no more the only solution-AMRP has a head of 18 metre (213 metre to 195 metre) and Provide management support to each new project enabling it to stabilize in three years.

Steps taken so far: New approach formulated and discussed with newly formed Internal Bench Mark Committee; Formation of 583 Water Users Association by January, 2010 for the proposed projects; Discussion with 5 major MIP companies on possible models and modification of pilot approach for energy and water efficiency; Estimates prepared for tagging lining up to sub-minors to existing EPC contracts and for new tenders; New EPC contracts and for new tenders; New EPC tender prepared for AMRP for piping, micro irrigation and project management to achieve 15,000 acres duty; Project proposal for Rs.12,927 crores circulated to Finance Department; JICA loan Rs.8,547 crores, Government of India---Rs.2,640 crores, Government of Andhra Pradesh---- Rs.1200 crores, Farmers contribution --- Rs.540 crores.

The Chief Minister was informed that the Government of India has already approved action plan of 2009-10 for 1.5 lakh hectars with a GoI share of Rs.168.32 crores; State share required for 2009-10 Rs.383.33 crores; Allocation has to be made under RIDF-XV for APMIP for the year 2009-10 for State share.

Minister for Major Irrigation, Ponnala Lakshmaiah, Minister for Minor Irrigation, Sunita Lakshma Reddy, Chief Secretary, P Ramakanth Reddy., Principal Secretary, Irrigation, S.P.Tucker, Secretrary, Finance, Sekhar Babu and other officials attended the meeting.