NewKerala.com

Key Points

Gujarat's Sujalam Sufalam scheme has revolutionized farming across the state by providing reliable irrigation water. Farmers no longer depend on unpredictable rainfall and can now grow crops throughout the year. The initiative has significantly increased agricultural yields and boosted farmers' incomes. This successful water management model has become an inspiration for other states facing similar challenges.

Key Points: Gujarat Sujalam Sufalam Scheme Ends Farmer Rain Dependence

  • Launched by Narendra Modi in 2003 to strengthen irrigation networks
  • Diverts water from Kadana Dam to 10 drought-prone districts
  • Enables year-round cropping instead of rain-dependent farming
  • Increases agricultural yields and improves farmer economic conditions
2 min read

Sujalam-Sufalam scheme: Gujarat farmers no longer dependent on rain for farming

Gujarat's Sujalam Sufalam irrigation scheme transforms agriculture, enabling year-round farming and boosting incomes while setting national water management benchmarks.

"Thanks to Sujalam-Sufalam Yojana, our fields have turned green and our incomes have increased - Farmer Rajesh Bhai"

Ahmedabad, Sep 21

Gujarat has taken the lead in expanding the agricultural and irrigation landscape for farmers and also setting new benchmarks for other states. Its success could be attributed to the Gujarat government's flagship 'Sujalam Sufalam' scheme, which played a crucial role in strengthening the irrigation network to large tracts of agricultural lands.

The ‘Sujalam Sufalam Scheme’ was launched in 2003 by the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi and is said to be the backbone of the famed Gujarat model of improved irrigation and modern agricultural techniques.

The main objective of this scheme was to provide irrigation water to several districts of the state by diverting a canal from the Kadana Dam on the Mahi River in Mahisagar district.

A water management expert, Abhay Rawal, praising the scheme, said that it was a big success for 10 districts.

The Sujalam Sufalam spreading canal has also proven to be a ‘life-saver’ for areas with water scarcity. While continuous water supply has increased farmers' yields, it has also improved their economic condition.

This scheme has transformed the fortunes of Gujarat's farmers. Previously, farmers relied on rain for agriculture, but now the year-round availability of water has enabled them to grow crops in every season.

Kutch farmer Rajesh Bhai sharing his experience said, "Thanks to Sujalam-Sufalam Yojana, our fields have turned green and our incomes have increased. Under this scheme, we no longer have to depend on rain for water for our crops."

Under the leadership of current Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Sujalam Sufalam 2.0 is being further expanded.

This scheme is proving to be revolutionary in addressing water scarcity across the state through water management, raising groundwater levels, and building check dams and canals. This initiative has not only turned into a boon for the farmers but also an inspiration for other states in the country.

It has not only made Gujarat self-reliant in agriculture but has also set a new benchmark in water management.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is truly inspiring! Other states should learn from Gujarat's water management model. Water scarcity is a major issue across India and such schemes can transform rural economies.
M
Michael C
Impressive long-term vision! Starting in 2003 and still expanding shows real commitment to sustainable agriculture. The economic impact on farmers must be tremendous.
A
Ananya R
While the scheme is good, I hope the government is also monitoring the environmental impact. Groundwater recharge is excellent, but we must ensure sustainable usage without depleting resources.
K
Karthik V
My uncle in Kutch has benefited from this scheme. From struggling with single crop to now growing three crops annually! The check dams have really helped in water conservation. 👍
S
Sarah B
This is what development should look like - practical solutions that directly improve people's lives. The multi-season cropping possibility is a game-changer for food security.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50