GUWAHATI, Nov 28 - Under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, the Government of Assam would install one lakh tube-wells in 19 districts of the State, with a view to extending coverage of irrigation �Har Khet ko Pani� and management of groundwater.
A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of the Irrigation department chaired by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held in the conference room of his office here yesterday. Under the scheme, in the first phase, 4,779 solar and electric power-driven tube-wells would be set up in the State, benefiting around 18,577 farmers.
Sonowal laid stress on implementing the scheme on a priority basis and in a focused manner, with the motto �more crop per drop� to improve water use efficiency. He said that an efficient implementation of the scheme would lead to overall improvement of the socio-economic conditions of the farmers. He, however, stressed qualitative implementation of the scheme so that the novelty associated with its objective is sustained. He also asked the Irrigation department to leave no stone unturned to ensure success of the scheme.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister took stock of the implementation of various schemes of the Fishery department. He asked the Secretary of the department Rakesh Kumar to protect and preserve water sources of the State like ponds, fisheries, etc., to maintain the sustainability of aquatic life. He also asked him to adhere to soil testing of the water-bodies.
Sonowal observed that if the 2,700 water-bodies of the State are maintained for sustaining their quality, Assam, besides fulfilling the domestic needs of the State, can export fish as well.
