From Water Scarcity To Smart Farming: Gangawali Pilot Project Brings Israel-Inspired Solutions To Bundelkhand In UP

Lucknow, 9th September: The Yogi Government's India-Israel Bundelkhand Water Project is addressing the water scarcity issues plaguing Bundelkhand region. The project, costing around ₹19.1 crore, is currently underway in Gangawali village, Baragaon development block of Jhansi. Key works include earthworks, geomembrane lining of the reservoir, installation of solar pumps, intake pipes, and PUF panel-based buildings.

Following the completion of these initial steps, the next phase will focus on installing micro-irrigation systems, greenhouses, irrigation automation, and farmer training. Dr. Rajesh Kumar Prajapati, a key official, emphasized that this initiative aims to create a model that best suits Bundelkhand's water availability and agricultural conditions, optimizing water utilization through scientific methods.

The project encompasses water conservation, storage, solar energy usage, micro-irrigation, advanced agricultural technologies, and farmer training. This includes reservoirs, canal water access systems, solar pumps, drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, natural sewage treatment plants, agricultural machinery, and modern farming facilities. The ultimate goal is to equip farmers with a practical solution for efficient irrigation and farming in areas with limited water resources.

The project's first phase has seen visible progress in Gangawali. The reservoir area has been demarcated and fenced, with earthwork and geomembrane lining underway. Installation of a PUF panel-based building and CCTV systems has also been completed. Additionally, a solar pump and intake pipe and well have been installed. Work on road construction around the reservoir is currently in progress.

Under the project, a demonstration of modern agricultural practices will be conducted on approximately 8.5 hectares of land. This will be followed by the installation of micro-irrigation systems, along with greenhouses, tunnels, pipelines, and an irrigation automation-SCADA system. These advancements will allow farmers to determine crop areas based on available water and manage irrigation more effectively.

A total of 72 practical training sessions will be conducted, with around 100 farmers expected to participate in each session. The training will cover water budgeting, fertigation, crop planning, irrigation operations, and the use of agricultural machinery.