TNIAMP: Powering Tamil Nadu’s Green Revolution with Smart Irrigation

The World Bank-aided Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation Project (TNIAMP), launched in 2017, aims to enhance the productivity and climate resilience of irrigated agriculture across 47 river sub-basins in Tamil Nadu.

Key Objectives:

1. Improve water management practices
2. Expand market opportunities for farmers and agro-entrepreneurs
3. Promote sustainable agricultural development
4. Contribute to regional economic growth and environmental sustainability

TNIAMP is a unique example of interdepartmental collaboration, integrating seven key departments of the Tamil Nadu Government and three prestigious State Universities:

• Departments: Water Resources, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Marketing and Agri Business, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare
• Universities: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, and Tamil Nadu Fisheries University

With a total outlay of ₹2,961.79 crore (70% funded by the World Bank and 30% by the Tamil Nadu Government), the project has:

• Rehabilitated 2,626 irrigation tanks and 355 anicuts (check dams)
• Restored 5,026 km of supply channels and canals
• Built 94 artificial recharge wells and completed On-Farm Development (OFD) works over 1.25 lakh hectares, including 107 km of field channel lining

These efforts have directly benefited over 16 lakh farmers in 34 districts, significantly improving both water management and agricultural productivity.

Sustainable Practices & Environmental Impact:

• Adoption of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) has increased water-use efficiency and reduced methane emissions by 25% to 40%
• Installation of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems across 13,047 hectares, resulting in 20% to 48% water savings and a 15% to 30% reduction in cultivation costs

Empowering Farmers through Local Institutions:

Over 4,000 Water User Associations (WUAs) have been established under the Tamil Nadu Farmers Management of Irrigation Systems Act, 2000, empowering communities to manage local irrigation systems and ensure long-term sustainability.

Boosting Market Linkages and Aquaculture:

• Aggregation of 41,000 metric tonnes of agricultural produce worth ₹94.95 crore, enhancing farmer income and market access
• Promotion of sustainable aquaculture across 27,264 hectares, increasing fish production and aquafarmers’ earnings

Livestock and Dairy Development:

• Introduction of TANUVAS GRAND, a nutritional supplement for milch animals, has increased milk yield by over 711.9 ml/animal/day and reduced methane emissions by 18.82% per animal/day
• Conducted 9,50,850 artificial inseminations and promoted 6,244 hectares of fodder cultivation
• Distributed 57,450 nutrient supplements and helped produce 2,14,854 high-merit heifer calves, boosting milk output from 5.0 to 6.5 litres/animal/day

Digital Advancements:

TNIAMP has facilitated adoption of AI-based agricultural services like the M-Velanmai App and geotagging tools to help farmers make data-driven decisions and manage their farms more efficiently.

National Recognition:

The project was awarded the National Award for Excellence in Integrated Water Resources Management 2024 by the Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP), Government of India. This honor affirms TNIAMP’s effectiveness in addressing key water and agriculture challenges through integrated, scalable, and sustainable solutions.

Public Outreach through Folk Art:

A vibrant folk dance performance was held at the Namma Chennai Selfie Point, Marina Beach, to raise awareness of TNIAMP’s achievements. Traditional dance forms were used to effectively convey messages on water conservation, improved irrigation practices, and farmer welfare.

– Additional Chief Secretary / Project Director, TNIAMP

Issued by: DIPR, Secretariat, Chennai – 9