Patna witnessed a significant push for agricultural water management on Friday. Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav personally laid foundation stones for 42 new watershed development schemes. He also commissioned 61 other completed projects during a major event.
Bihar Watershed Mahotsava 2026 Hosts Key Announcements
The ceremony took place at the Bihar Agricultural Management Extension and Training Institute (BAMETI). Officials titled the gathering Bihar Watershed Mahotsava 2026. Department Principal Secretary Narmadeshwar Lal presided over the function alongside the minister.
Local farmers and beneficiaries actively participated in the celebrations. They organized a traditional kalash yatra procession to mark the occasion.
Substantial Central Funding for Watershed Projects
Minister Yadav provided detailed figures about the ongoing efforts. He revealed that 35 watershed-related schemes are currently active across 18 Bihar districts. This coverage includes all 17 rain-dependent districts in south Bihar. It also encompasses Begusarai district in the northern part of the state.
The central government has committed substantial resources to this initiative. A sanction of Rs 400 crore has been approved for implementation over a five-year period. This funding will support a wide range of activities aimed at improving water conservation and land health.
Concrete Plans for Land and Water Conservation
The allocated funds will finance several specific types of infrastructure and environmental work. The planned activities include:
- Plantation work covering 496 hectares of land to improve soil stability.
- Construction of 282 concrete check dams to manage water flow.
- Development of 62 ponds specifically within agricultural land.
- Creation of 361 new ponds dedicated to rainwater harvesting.
- Renovation of 756 existing ahar and paeens (traditional water bodies).
- Construction or renovation of 344 wells to enhance groundwater access.
Addressing Land Degradation Across Bihar
Government officials highlighted the urgent need for these interventions. They stated that nearly 9 lakh hectares of land in Bihar currently suffer from various forms of degradation. This widespread issue has prompted the state administration to prioritize land recharge initiatives.
These efforts form a core part of the broader Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali programme. The programme focuses on creating sustainable water and green cover solutions.
Minister and Secretary Emphasize Water Conservation Priority
Both Minister Ram Kripal Yadav and Principal Secretary Narmadeshwar Lal stressed a critical point during their addresses. They emphasized the paramount importance of conserving both water and land resources for Bihar's agricultural future.
They provided a stark statistic to underline their message. Nearly 80 percent of India's available water resources are currently utilized for agricultural purposes. This fact makes efficient water management not just an environmental concern, but a fundamental economic necessity for the farming sector and food security.
The event in Patna signals a continued focus on watershed development as a key strategy for sustainable agriculture in the state.
