TAMIL NADU TO MODERNIZE IRRIGATION INFRASTRUCTURE

bookmark article email article

Sarid, January 27, 2007

Earlier this month the World Bank approved an assistance package of US$485 million to the Indian state of Tamil Nadu to increase agriculture productivity by modernizing the state’s irrigation infrastructure. Tamil Nadu, which covers an area of 50,215 mi² (130,058 km²), is the eleventh largest state in India; it is the sixth most populous state in the Indian Union, and it is home to about 62 million people.

Although known for its vibrant textile industry and electronics manufacturing, Tamil Nadu is also a leading producer of agricultural products in India, such as kambu, corn, rye, ground nuts, oil, seeds and sugar cane. Agriculture is the most predominant sector of the state’s economy, as 70% of the population is engaged in agriculture and allied activities for their livelihood.

While the farmers have successfully coped with changing technologies and market forces for years, the agricultural sector increasingly faces major constraints due to poor state of irrigation infrastructure, water scarcity, groundwater overdraft, and pollution of surface and ground waters. Many of Tamil Nadu river basins are water stressed, as supplies are limited and increasingly polluted, and competing demands are growing. The World Bank package will help modernize irrigation systems covering over 600,000 hectares in 63 sub-basins throughout the State.

The project will place special focus on modernization of so-called Tanks -- traditional water bodies that are integrated into the state’s irrigation systems. The project will also strengthen the institutional framework and tools for sustainable water resources management. It is expected that these steps will bolster the income of farm workers, as well as create additional 50,000 rural farm jobs.

Srinivasan Raj Rajagopal, World Bank Lead Water Resources Specialist and project task team leader, noted that an appropriate combination of modern tools and techniques, synergizing the work of various agencies and partners, as well as empowerment of farmers would yield improved farmer incomes and products to fuel economic growth and alleviate rural poverty. “It is time for irrigated agriculture and water resources management to catch up with other modernization efforts in the State and this project would assist in this process in an innovative manner,” Mr. Rajagopal concluded.

The loan, provided by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has 20 years to maturity including 5-years of grace period.

Tamil Nadu Government Website
The World Bank