Water and Energy International

Empowering youth and orienting them towards evolving low cost and sustainable innovative technology in all development sector has always been a priority of both State and Central Government. New and Innovative approach to Irrigation Sector is necessary to feed the present and future population without any further degradation and destruction of the natural ecosystem. In view of tremendous pressure on water sector for the gamut of infrastructure development and also due to other day to day needs, the Irrigation policy makers need to have a serious transition in their approach towards Irrigation of Crop fields. Since Irrigation Sector utilizes maximum amount of Water resources globally, there is a need to make transformation from the traditional flood Irrigation system to the innovative methods of Irrigation using water use efficient technology. Moreover, due to changing climatic conditions, particularly rainfall pattern and weather conditions in the state of Assam , there is an emergent need to go for climate resilient Irrigation practices to promote sustainable Agriculture Development in the State. As compared to the PAN India average of 51% of Irrigation Coverage, the average gross irrigated area in Assam stands at about 13%. Therefore, there is a serious need to accelerate the growth rate of Irrigation Development in the State for promoting crop intensification and increasing farmers income. Before making a huge investment for irrigation development in the State, it becomes very essential that a detail study is undertaken to understand the problems, issues and challenges associated with irrigation development in the State. With this objective in mind, a research study was undertaken to analyse the irrigation scenario in Kamrup (M) district of Assam so that a generalized findings could be made for the entire State.This Paper highlights about a research study on the problems, prospects and the status of present activities of Irrigation Sector of Assam by taking a case study of irrigation scenario in Kamrup(M) district of Assam. An attempt has also been made to elaborate on the irrigation development in the district with a strategic visionary approach towards the future development of Irrigation not only in the Kamrup(M) district but also in the entire state of Assam.