Assam Utilizes Irrigation on Less Than 10% of Cultivated Land Despite Targets

In Assam, less than 10% of the total cultivated land benefits from government irrigation schemes despite a target of 12.6 lakh hectares, according to the State Economic Survey 2025-26. While irrigation potential has been created for 8.84 lakh hectares, actual utilization declined to about 2.5 lakh hectares in 2024-25. Factors such as maintenance funding shortages, infrastructure damage, erratic power supply, and theft contribute to underutilization amid increasing climate challenges and reduced rainfall during the Rabi season.