Government expands irrigation to 3,815 hectares of farmland

Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation reports expanding irrigation facilities to an additional 3,815 hectares of farmland under major projects since the formation of the current government. This expansion has occurred over the past six months, according to the Ministry.The expansion has benefited the Babai, Sikta, Badkapath, Rani Jamara Kulariya, and Mahakali irrigation projects. Specifically, the Babai Irrigation Project has seen an increase of 600 hectares, the Sikta Irrigation Project 1,300 hectares, the Badkapath Irrigation Project 610 hectares, the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project 150 hectares, and the Mahakali Irrigation Project 1,155 hectares. The Ministry also reported the construction of approximately 13 kilometers of canals during the past six months under the Sikta Irrigation Project.These projects have received significant resource commitments from the Ministry of Finance. The Babai Irrigation Project received Rs 4.07 billion, the Sikta Irrigation Project Rs 5.23 billion, the Badkapath Irrigation Project Rs 1.05 billion, and the Mahakali Irrigation Project Rs 3.31 billion. For the Sikta Irrigation Project, 11 out of 27 invited tenders have led to signed contracts, with the remaining 16 in the contract-award process. The Badkapath Irrigation Project is targeted for completion by fiscal year 2027/28.The Mahakali Irrigation Project has managed contracts for the construction of nine kilometers of main and branch canals and associated structures. The Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project has signed contracts worth Rs 961.2 million for remaining works on the Lamki extension canal and structures, and another contract worth Rs 2.5 billion for the Patharaiya extension canal and associated structures.Meanwhile, the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project has invited fresh bids for its civil construction works after the previous contract was terminated. The Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project in Surkhet has an integrated work schedule prepared by coordinating civil, hydro-mechanical, and electro-mechanical contractors, and is targeted for completion by fiscal year 2028/29.Flood Control and Future TargetsThe Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has also advanced flood and river-control programs, inviting 44 contracts worth an estimated Rs 1.35 billion for managing river-related disasters. Currently, irrigation schemes operated under joint management provide regular services to approximately 233,000 hectares of cultivable land.In Madhesh Province, only 49 percent of the 381,898 hectares of cultivable land is irrigated, leading to reduced agricultural output for farmers. The construction of barrage gates under the Jamuni Irrigation System is nearing completion, which aims to provide year-round irrigation to farmers in Bara and Rautahat districts.Looking ahead, the Ministry aims to expand irrigation services to an additional 15,776 hectares of farmland in the upcoming fiscal year, which would increase Nepal’s irrigated agricultural land coverage to 64 percent. The Babai Irrigation Project and the Bheri-Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project are targeted for completion within the next two fiscal years. The Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion, Sikta Irrigation, and Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation projects are expected to be completed within five years, while the Mahakali Irrigation Project is scheduled for completion by fiscal year 2034/35.Unresolved ChallengesDespite progress, several challenges remain. The eastern main canal of the Sikta Irrigation Project, which is approximately 35 kilometers complete out of 53 kilometers, faces stalled work in Narayanipur Rural Municipality, leaving farmers without necessary irrigation. The exact timeline for resolving this issue is unclear. For the Mahakali Irrigation Project, the uncertainty of regular water supply from India remains a significant challenge, with no clear date for ministerial-level discussions on the matter. The third phase of the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project is also stalled due to land acquisition disputes regarding canal alignment with residents of Ghodaghodi Municipality-2, Kailali, and a resolution timeline is not yet established.