Japan aid agency commits Rs. 1,800 crore to develop Rengali irrigation project.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed an agreement with the Government of India recently to provide a 33,959 million yen (Rs. 1,800 crore approximately) Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan to increase irrigated area in Phase 2 of the Rengali Irrigation Project in Odisha.

The agreement was signed by Shinya Ejima, Chief Representative, JICA India, and Tarun Bajaj, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Finance Ministry.

'Development of the project underscores optimal management of natural resource for enhanced agricultural productivity …participation of farmers in developing an irrigation system enhances self-reliance of local communities, going by Japan’s experience,' said Ejima.

The assistance will provide for the extension of the canal from Samal Barrage from 71.313 km to 123.5 km on the left bank while also aiding the development of the distribution system and ancillaries.

'The current assistance will enable irrigation of 39,416 hectares along the canal in Jajpur, Keonjhar and Dhenkanal districts, benefiting over 42,400 farmer households dependent on unreliable rain-fed agriculture,' said an official statement.

The JICA has extended nearly Rs. 647 crore in ODA loans across three tranches since 1997 to develop the canal to help enhance agricultural productivity in the area. The loans have enabled irrigation of 27,200 hectares and benefited 37,000 farmer households.

Assistance also includes canal designing and irrigation management in which farmers participate in the development and subsequent operation and maintenance.


HBL