'21 irrigation projects likely to be completed by June'

At least 21 irrigation projects under the PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) are likely to be completed by June this year, a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here was told.
These 21 projects, with a total irrigation potential of 5.22 lakh hectares, are among the 99 priority irrigation projects being undertaken under the PMKSY, officials said at the meeting convened by Modi to review the progress of the Centre's flagship programme.
Forty-five other priority projects in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha are progressing well and are likely to be completed ahead of schedule, the meeting was told, according to a PMO statement.

The Prime Minister asked the officials to give maximum attention to drip and micro-irrigation in these upcoming irrigation projects, the statement said.
He called for synergy between various government departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Agricultural Universities to work out efficient cropping patterns and water-use mechanisms in the command areas of these projects.
The Prime Minister exhorted the officials to work with a comprehensive and holistic vision for PMKSY.
He also called for using the latest available technology, including space applications, to monitor the progress of irrigation projects.