Micro Irrigation Key to Saving Groundwater, Boosting Potato Productivity: Barinder Kumar Goyal
*Inaugurates Workshop for promoting micro irrigation in Potato Cultivation at Mohali*
*Inaugurates Upgraded and Renovated Auditorium*
*Launches e-approval portal for timely sanctions of tenders*
*Reiterates, Mann Govt’s Commitment to provide canal water for 100 percent irrigation*
Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, September 30 (WISHAVWARTA):- Punjab Soil & Water Conservation Minister, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, today emphasized that promotion of micro irrigation systems is the need of the hour to save the fast-depleting groundwater resources of the state and to enhance crop productivity, especially in potato cultivation.
Addressing a one-day workshop on Promotion of Micro Irrigation in Potato Cultivation organized at Soil Conservation Complex, Phase 6, Mohali, the Minister said that micro irrigation—comprising drip and sprinkler systems—not only ensures judicious use of water but also enables efficient application of fertilizers and pesticides directly to the root zone. “Adopting these systems helps farmers save up to 50% water while simultaneously improving per acre yield and quality of produce,” he stated.
Highlighting Punjab’s strength in potato production, Sh. Goyal said the state contributes nearly 60 percent of its’ production as country’s fine quality seed potato. “Micro irrigation plays a crucial role in maintaining uniformity in size, reducing grading costs, and ensuring better market acceptance of the produce,” he added.
He said that for installation of micro irrigation system, Punjab State provides 80 percent subsidy for general category while 90 percent for Women, Small, Marginal and SC farmers. The implementation of programme is fully online as farmer can avail benefit of this scheme from the comfort of his home.
The Minister further informed that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to water conservation through multiple initiatives. “Canal irrigation coverage in Punjab has already been enhanced from 21% to 64%, and the remaining 36% area will also be brought under canal irrigation soon. Canal water is not only a sustainable alternative to groundwater but also enriches soil health with vital minerals and micronutrients,” he remarked.
Soil and Water Conservation Minister Goyal also launched an e approval portal on this occasion to facilitate the contractors/firms participating in micro irrigation tender system in a time-bound manner. He also inaugurated the upgraded and renovated buliding of the auditorium before the start of workshop.
The workshop, attended by farmers, experts, micro irrigation equipment manufacturers and procuring agencies, also saw participation from Punjab Agricultural University, Central Potato Research Institute, Centre of Excellence for Vegetables Kartarpur, Punjab State Science and Technology Council, and officials from Agriculture, Horticulture and Water Resources Departments.
Sh. Mohinder Singh Saini, Chief Conservator of Soil, Punjab, welcomed the dignitaries and provided an overview of the department’s role in conserving soil and water resources. Shalinder Kaur, Director, Horticulture Department, Punjab briefed the audience about the Potato Cultivation and importance of Micro Irrigation in it.
