Approximately 75 - 80% of the population is dependent on agriculture sector for their livelihood. Existing irrigation coverage as per 3rd M.I. Census is merely 22% of the available arable land (as against the national coverage of over 40%). Irrigation is, therefore, the critical factor for increasing agricultural production & productivity.

By the end of March’ 2007, 6.8297 lakh ha. irrigation potential has been created after completion of 1 major, 98 medium irrigation projects and a number of minor irrigation schemes.

Given the existing under developed status of the irrigation sector in the state as well as the promise it holds for a breakthrough in the assault against poverty a multi pronged strategy is being employed with the following main components–

• Increase irrigation coverage through a mix of major, medium, minor irrigation schemes and ground water schemes
• Making existing irrigation network more efficient
• Move towards effective Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) and
• Strengthen and upgrade the administrative infrastructure & improve the existing delivery and monitoring mechanism.