Haryana govt to promote micro irrigation

With a view to check over-exploitation of water in the dark zones of the state, the Haryana government has decided to extensively promote micro irrigation by providing incentives to farmers.
A total of 36 over-exploited blocks have been identified under the initiative, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said here today.
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Khattar on the ground water status and micro irrigation potential of the state.
Out of the 36 over-exploited blocks, mostly in south Haryana, 21 have already been notified, an official release said.
The Chief Minister said that in the first phase, farmers in these 36 blocks would be encouraged to switch over to micro irrigation to conserve ground water.

Later, the remaining blocks would be taken up. In all, there are 64 over-exploited blocks in the state, the release said.

"The shift in the irrigation system would not only help in maintaining ecological balance but also lead to energy conservation," Khattar said.
He directed officers of the Agriculture, Horticulture, Irrigation and Power departments to prepare adequate schemes for providing subsidy to farmers.
"The farmers should also be encouraged to adopt alternative farming rather than the traditional farming of rice and wheat," the Chief Minister added.