Underground canal necessity to enhance irrigation efficiency

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RAJSHAHI, May 14, 2018 (BSS)- More efficiency in irrigation has become
an urgent need for boosting farming outputs through reducing the existing
misuse of water alongside decreasing agriculture production cost.

The existing irrigation method has the problem of misusing water adding
pressure on both ground and surface water posing a threat to ecology.

So, some major parameters like water distribution system, irrigation
scheme management system, water marketing, source of water and energy,
Alternate Wetting Drying (AWD) and types of pumps should be taken into
consideration.

The views were expressed in a daylong farmers training by some
irrigation experts who urged the attending farmers to acquire knowledge on
how to improve irrigation efficiency.

‘Enhancement of Irrigation Efficiency through Construction of Sub-Surface
Irrigation Channel Project’ of Barind Multipurpose Development Authority
(BMDA) organized the training at its Badalgachhi zone office yesterday.

The Taka 136.16-crore project is being implemented in 25 Upazilas of
Rajshahi, Naogaon and Chapainawabgonj districts in order to reduce the loss
of irrigation water through construction of underground irrigation channel.
The scheme intends to expand irrigation area through crop diversification.

BMDA Chairman Dr Akram Hossain Chowdhury, Executive Engineer Abdul
Maleque Chowdhury and Assistant Engineer Ashiqur Rahman conducted the
training sessions as resource persons.

Akram Chowdhury mentioned that the agriculture sector has started
witnessing the problem of irrigation water scarcity which is being adjudged
as an obstacle to crop production.

The sector has also to face huge production cost due to various reasons
pushing farmers into a difficult situation. So, there is no alternative to
more promotion of underground canal for improving irrigation efficiency.

Role of agriculture sector is very vital towards making the country’s
economy functional alongside ensuring food security. He called upon the field
level officials and staffs to discharge their duties with utmost sincerity
and honesty for the best uses of existing potentialities.

The farmers should be motivated towards cultivating less-water consuming
crops to lessen the gradually mounting pressure on underground water.

Dr Chowdhury mentioned that the government has attached highest priority
to the agriculture sector and added that the field level officials and
researchers should take the responsibilities of reaching the government’s
services to the farmers’ doorsteps.