Irrigation Revolution in Punjab: Canal Water Reaches Every Field, Bringing Smiles Back to Farmers’ Faces

November 5, 2025

Punjab Desk: Punjab has witnessed a historic transformation in its irrigation system under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s 14-point Water Strategy. What was once a major challenge delivering water to tail-end areas has now become a remarkable achievement. Canal water is now reaching almost every field in the state.

Today, 84% of Punjab’s irrigation is supported by canal water, a significant rise from the earlier 68%. This achievement is the direct result of the Integrated State Water Plan’s 14-point program. So far, 15,914 water channels have been restored, and water flow has resumed in 916 canals and minors. Regions that had remained dry for 35 to 40 years are finally receiving canal water again, reviving hope among thousands of farmers.

The state government has laid 2,400 km of underground pipelines, providing irrigation facilities to 30,282 hectares of farmland. Farmers are receiving up to 90% subsidy for group projects and 50% subsidy for individual installations. Additionally, drip and sprinkler irrigation systems have been implemented across 6,000 hectares. To promote water conservation, 28 pipeline-based projects are delivering 300 million liters of treated water per day directly to fields.

In the Kandi region, 160 water harvesting structures have been built, and solar-lift irrigation systems have been launched in 125 villages. Chief Minister Mann stated that this is not just water management, but a major step toward realizing the vision of “canal water for every field.” Punjab is emerging as a model for water conservation and sustainable agriculture.