Construction of 54 Irrigation Projects in Bastar after the Formation of Chhattisgarh State

Over 23,000 hectares of additional land brought under irrigation in Bastar district
Farmers achieving higher income through double-cropping

Raipur, Oct 2025 : Since the formation of Chhattisgarh 25 years ago, significant efforts have been made to provide irrigation facilities to farmers in Bastar district. As a result, a total irrigated area of 32,656 hectares has been developed through 92 irrigation projects implemented so far.

Before the formation of the state, there were only 38 minor irrigation schemes in Bastar, providing irrigation for 7,521 hectares during the Kharif season and 1,386 hectares during the Rabi season, covering a total of 8,907 hectares.

After the creation of Chhattisgarh, with the aim of ensuring greater access to irrigation for farmers, 54 new irrigation projects were constructed in the district, leading to an additional 23,749 hectares of irrigated land. Of this, 18,129 hectares were developed for Kharif crops and 5,620 hectares for Rabi crops. These irrigation facilities have encouraged farmers in the region to adopt double-cropping systems, helping them increase their agricultural income and improve their livelihoods.

Expansion of Cash Crop Cultivation through Projects like Kosarteda, Bedarmunda, and Tikralohanga

Following the formation of the state, the Water Resources Department has developed several major and minor irrigation schemes in Bastar, including the Kosarteda Medium Irrigation Project, Bedarmunda and Tikralohanga Minor Irrigation Tanks, as well as Kumharawand, Baniyagaon, and Bhaluguda Lift Irrigation Schemes, and the Mooli and Kawaras Diversion Schemes. Additionally, 46 anicuts and stop dams have been constructed across the district.

The development of these irrigation resources has led to a substantial increase in the cultivation of cash crops. Farmers in Bastar now use irrigation as per their requirements for Kharif crops and grow maize, pulses (urad and moong), and vegetables during the Rabi season, thereby earning additional income.

Kosarteda Project Boosts Incomes of Farmers like Damrudhar and Peelu Ram

Farmers such as Damrudhar Kashyap and Peelu Ram Baghel from Kesarpal village, who are beneficiaries of the Kosarteda Reservoir, said that they have been able to significantly increase their income by cultivating maize and vegetables during the Rabi season.

According to T.D.P.P. Water Resources Division, Jagdalpur, 42 irrigation projects are currently under construction in the district with a total estimated cost of ₹195.36 crore. Once completed, these projects will create an additional irrigation capacity of 6,790 hectares, further strengthening the agricultural base of Bastar and providing greater convenience to farmers in expanding agricultural activities.

Empowering Farmers through Sustainable Irrigation

The steady increase in irrigated area and adoption of modern irrigation infrastructure have transformed agriculture in Bastar. With access to water for both Kharif and Rabi crops, farmers are now diversifying their production and achieving economic stability. The continuous expansion of irrigation projects stands as a testament to the state government’s commitment to empowering farmers, ensuring water security, and promoting sustainable rural development in Bastar.