GUWAHATI, July 10: Assam Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, while presenting the Assam Budget 2026, announced a major irrigation initiative under “Jalasinchanaru Krishir Samannay – Irrigation and Agriculture.”

The minister said the state government, under the vision of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, will shift to a Pressurised Piped Distribution Network for irrigation projects. The new system is expected to reduce land acquisition costs, minimise water loss, and enable faster implementation, bringing a significant boost to the agricultural sector.

As part of the initiative, the government will conduct a detailed assessment of lean-season surface water availability in rivers including the Barak, Subansiri, Manas, Beki, Puthimari, Jia Bharali, Dhansiri, and Kopili to identify and implement small and medium lift irrigation schemes with piped distribution networks.

To support the programme, the government has proposed an investment of ₹3,000 crore to ₹4,000 crore over the next five years. The funding will be mobilised through the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), externally aided projects, Central sector schemes, and State budgetary resources.

The initiative aims to strengthen irrigation infrastructure, improve water management, and enhance agricultural productivity across Assam.