Big relief for Punjab farmers as Bhagwant Mann Govt ensures canal water supply for paddy sowing from May 1 for first time

8-hour power supply schedule announced across 4 zones for paddy sowing, bringing major relief to farmers: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
14,000 km pipeline network laid to deliver canal water to fields across Punjab, with new watercourses & channels constructed: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
21,000 cusecs of water released on Wednesday to test 7,000 newly constructed watercourses & channels: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
No shortage of water for irrigation of cotton, horticulture, maize fodder and other crops in Malwa region: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
Saving every drop of water has helped recharge 21 lakh cubic metres of groundwater, raising water levels by 2–4 metres: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

CHANDIGARH; 29th April 2026 (WISHAVWARTA);- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced a major relief for farmers ahead of the paddy season, declaring that canal water for irrigation will be made available from May 1 itself, with 21,000 cusecs of water to be released across the state, marking a decisive shift away from Punjab’s heavy reliance on groundwater. Backed by a ₹6,700 crore investment in irrigation infrastructure, a 14,000 km pipeline network, and the activation of 7,000 newly constructed watercourses and channels, the Bhagwant Mann Government has paired this масштаб push with an 8-hour power supply schedule across four zones to streamline sowing.

The move not only ensures assured irrigation for paddy but also secures water availability for cotton, horticulture, maize and fodder in the Malwa region, while delivering tangible gains in groundwater recharge, with levels rising by 2 to 4 metres, signalling a structural reset in the state’s water management strategy.

Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “During a press conference held in Chandigarh today, important information was shared regarding Punjab’s water resources, agriculture, and the bright future of its youth. Our primary objective is to reduce the use of groundwater and ensure that canal water reaches every field.”

He further stated, “A historic investment of ₹6,700 crore has been made in irrigation infrastructure. With 14,000 kilometres of new pipelines and 4,000 kilometres of new canals constructed this season, full water will be released into the canals from May 1. Even tail-end regions like Fazilka and Abohar will receive water by May 2. Due to water recharge efforts, groundwater levels have risen by 2 to 4 metres. Along with this, to save electricity and ensure convenience for labourers, paddy sowing has been divided into four zones. Direct seeding will begin from May 15, and from June 1, canal water supply will be provided in a phased manner. I would also like to clarify that every possible assistance will be extended to Punjabis who have been deported from Australia.”

“The government is fully committed to providing employment to the youth and securing the future of coming generations by saving every drop of water in the state.” the post concluded.

On Wednesday, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also said, “For the first time, water is being released in the state from May 1 to benefit the farmers of Punjab.” He asserted, “Our Government is committed to saving every single drop of water. Not a single drop has been shared with any other state, nor is any water being sent to Pakistan.”

Highlighting the shift towards sustainable irrigation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We have ensured that dependency on canal water increases so that pressure on tube wells is reduced.” He added, “By March 2026, the Punjab Government has spent ₹6,700 crore on irrigation works across Punjab.”

Elaborating further, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “This amount has been used to lay 14,000 kilometres of pipes and watercourses across the state.” He added, “Before this paddy season, 4,000 km of newly constructed watercourses and 3,000 km of pipelines will be made operational.” He said, “21,000 cusecs of water will be released in these pipelines and watercourses to test them and remove any shortcomings.”

Underscoring the scale of the initiative, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The water being released is equal to the supply of two Bhakra canals and will immensely benefit farmers.” He added, “It will particularly help farmers in the Malwa region for orchards and for sowing crops such as cotton, maize and fodder, along with preparing fields for paddy cultivation.”

Emphasising long-term benefits, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This water will also help recharge groundwater through various recharge schemes, which will benefit future generations.” He further stated, “Horticulturists, especially in Fazilka and Abohar, will benefit as they will not have to depend on tube wells.”

Highlighting groundwater conservation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Recharge points have been created in canals and rivers, resulting in an increase in water levels by two to four metres.” He added, “This decision is aimed at securing the future of coming generations, because Punjab stands for water, and without water, the state has no existence.”

Sharing further achievements, the Chief Minister said, “It is a matter of pride that due to the efforts of the Punjab Government, 21 lakh cubic metres of water has been recharged in the last one year.”

Addressing crop planning, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “To avoid complications for farmers in selling paddy due to high moisture content in October, the Punjab Government has decided to advance the paddy cultivation season from June 1.” He added, “Zone-wise cultivation of paddy will be carried out with proper planning and arrangements.”

Outlining the schedule, the Chief Minister said, “Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) will begin from May 15 in all districts, with eight hours of uninterrupted power supply.” He added, “From June 1, paddy cultivation will begin in Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ropar, SAS Nagar, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib and Hoshiarpur.”

He further stated, “From June 5, cultivation will start in Faridkot, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka, and from June 9 it will begin in Ludhiana, Malerkotla, Mansa, Moga, Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, Kapurthala, Jalandhar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.”