West Bengal’s irrigation projects have expanded water-conservation and farm-support infrastructure across six western districts, benefiting more than 2.29 lakh small and marginal farmers, according to a report citing the state agriculture department. The programme covers Birbhum, Bankura, Purulia, Paschim Bardhaman, Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram through 27 projects under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0.
The projects are being implemented by the West Bengal State Watershed Development Agency, under the agriculture department, through a joint Centre–state initiative. Work is currently spread across about 1.29 lakh hectares, with the programme focused on water conservation, irrigation improvement and agricultural development in the state’s laterite-soil districts.
The state has allocated Rs 350.60 crore for the programme. The Centre’s share is Rs 210.36 crore, while the state contribution is Rs 140.24 crore. Of the central allocation, Rs 185.42 crore has so far been received, according to the report.
The programme recorded full utilisation of its Rs 73.70 crore allocation during the 2025–26 financial year. In the current 2026–27 financial year, around Rs 22 crore has been spent from the Rs 45.56 crore received so far. The state has also sent a proposal to the Centre seeking an additional Rs 24.94 crore.
Overall expenditure has reached Rs 268.86 crore, or about 77% of the total allocation. The spending has supported the construction and improvement of water-harvesting and irrigation assets, including 500 new farm ponds and renovation of existing ponds.
A total of 5,491 water-conservation structures, check dams and irrigation canals have been created under the projects. Tree planting has also been undertaken as part of the watershed work. The irrigation potential of 22,308 hectares of farmland has increased through the programme, according to the report.
The initiative also includes livelihood support beyond water infrastructure. Financial assistance has been provided to 5,545 self-help groups for microcredit and income-generating activities. Another 9,392 groups have received support to create income opportunities linked to farm equipment, fisheries and horticulture.
The state is planning to expand the next phase of the programme to four more districts: Alipurduar, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Purba Bardhaman. The proposed expansion would extend the watershed and irrigation model beyond the six districts currently covered.
The next funding requirement and the proposed district expansion will depend on the Centre’s consideration of the state’s request for an additional Rs 24.94 crore and the implementation plans prepared by the West Bengal State Watershed Development Agency.
