Vision for Water Security and Inclusive Growth
The Odisha Government has renewed its focus on ensuring water security, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting equitable access to irrigation—especially in upland and drought-prone regions where conventional canal systems are not feasible.
Aligned with the Viksit Bharat vision, the State aims to transform agriculture by providing assured, year-round irrigation across vast cultivable areas. This initiative seeks to stabilize farm incomes and strengthen the socio-economic foundation of rural communities across Odisha.
OLIC Board Reviews Progress under CM’s Guidance
The 210th Board Meeting of the Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation (OLIC) was held on 6th November 2025 in Bhubaneswar, chaired by Mrs. Anu Garg, IAS. The meeting reviewed the progress and implementation strategies for ongoing and upcoming Lift Irrigation projects.
Under the guidance of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, who also serves as the Minister of Water Resources, OLIC has achieved remarkable progress during the financial year 2024–25. Through accelerated implementation of various irrigation programmes, the Corporation has created irrigation potential for 16.51 lakh hectares, directly benefitting over 15 lakh farmer families across the State.
Solar-Powered Bore Wells: Green Energy Boost for Rural Irrigation
A major highlight of the period has been the expansion of solar-powered deep bore wells, marking a decisive shift towards renewable energy-based irrigation.
So far, 3,328 installations have been completed, providing irrigation coverage to 0.17 lakh hectares of farmland. By December 2025, OLIC targets an additional 9,000 installations, which will extend benefits to around 35,000 farmers.
This transition to solar energy reflects OLIC’s strong commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural development, while also reducing farmers’ dependency on erratic power supply and costly diesel pumps.
Diversified Cropping Changing Rural Economies
Lift irrigation has catalyzed a wave of agricultural diversification in several districts, notably Mayurbhanj, where farmers are experimenting with high-value crops such as strawberries, sunflowers, and mushrooms.
In Shyamakhunta Block of Mayurbhanj, under the Tarajodi-III Community Lift Irrigation Project, farmers cultivated strawberries across 10 hectares of ayacut and earned an impressive ₹40 lakh, showcasing how assured irrigation can transform local economies and boost farmers’ income.
Smart Irrigation with IoT and Mobile Integration
In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Odisha, sensor-based IoT devices integrated with a mobile application have been successfully piloted in selected Lift Irrigation Projects.
This cutting-edge innovation enables real-time monitoring and efficient management of water delivery, significantly reducing wastage and optimizing system performance.
The smart irrigation model marks a major technological leap for OLIC, paving the way for data-driven decision-making, predictive maintenance, and enhanced accountability in irrigation service delivery.
Towards a Resilient and Prosperous Rural Odisha
By combining advanced technology, renewable energy, and community participation, OLIC’s Lift Irrigation mission is setting new benchmarks in rural water management.
These initiatives not only enhance climate resilience but also empower farmers with modern tools and sustainable solutions to ensure long-term agricultural prosperity.
With continued support from the State Government and leadership under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Odisha is poised to emerge as a national model in sustainable irrigation and smart agriculture.