Mandya’s irrigation coverage to be expanded, says Agriculture Minister

Minister for Agriculture N. Cheluvarayaswamy on Tuesday announced that efforts are under way to expand irrigation facilities across the district, where only about 55% of the land is currently irrigated.

He also revealed that an Agricultural University is being established in Mandya, aimed at empowering young farmers and boosting their economic prospects.

Speaking at a felicitation programme held in Thubinakere Gram Panchayat limits of Mandya taluk, the Minister said the proposed university would play a key role in equipping rural youth with modern agricultural knowledge, innovation, and skills, helping them become financially self-reliant.

The event was organised to honour MP and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai for his contribution to a major irrigation initiative that channels water from the Lokapavani river to fill tanks in several villages, including Elechakanahalli, Yaliyur, Uramara Kasalagere, Ragimuddanahalli, Jakkanahalli, and Alugoodu.

Mr. Cheluvarayaswamy credited Mr. Bommai for initiating the Elechakanahalli lift irrigation project, observing that it has significantly improved water availability for agriculture and livestock in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Bommai said the long-pending project to divert water from the Lokapavani river to local tanks has now been completed and formally dedicated after several years.

Balanced development and responding to people’s concerns had been his priority as Chief Minister. Leadership must emerge from the people and remain connected to them, he added.

Nirmalanandanatha Swami was present. Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami, who was also present, said the irrigation project has enabled farmers to achieve economic progress through reliable water supply to farmlands.

Nischalanandanatha Swami lauded Mr. Bommai’s contributions as a former irrigation Minister, strengthening irrigation infrastructure in the region.

Srirangapatna MLA A.B. Ramesh Bandisidde Gowda, former MLA Vijayalakshmi Bandisidde Gowda, former Deputy Chief Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan, and Karnataka Sangha president Jayaprakash Gowda were present.