The expansion of canal irrigation facilities across Punjab is emerging as one of the key developments benefiting the state’s agricultural sector. Increased access to canal water has helped farmers reduce their dependence on costly alternatives for irrigation while ensuring a more reliable supply of water for crop cultivation. The initiative is contributing to improved agricultural productivity and strengthening rural livelihoods across the state.
According to the latest figures, significant progress has been made in expanding the reach of canal water. In 2022, approximately 20.89 lakh acres of agricultural land in Punjab received irrigation through canal networks, benefiting around 26.5 percent of farmers. By 2026, the area receiving canal water has increased substantially to nearly 58 lakh acres, with around 78 percent of farmers now benefiting from canal-based irrigation.
The increase in irrigation coverage has had a positive impact on farming communities by improving water availability and reducing irrigation-related expenses. Access to canal water is particularly important for farmers as it helps lower dependence on groundwater extraction, supports sustainable agricultural practices, and contributes to the long-term conservation of natural resources.
Farmers across various regions have reported improved access to irrigation water, including areas that traditionally faced challenges due to their location at the tail ends of canal networks. Better water distribution is helping ensure that the benefits of irrigation infrastructure reach a larger number of farming families. This development is also expected to support crop health, improve agricultural output, and strengthen rural economies.
For farmers in Mohali villages and other agricultural areas of Punjab, enhanced irrigation facilities provide greater confidence during the cultivation season. Reliable water supply remains one of the most important requirements for successful farming, and improved canal infrastructure is helping address this need more effectively. The expansion of irrigation services is contributing to broader rural development efforts while supporting the state’s agricultural growth.
Under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government has prioritized improvements in irrigation infrastructure and water management systems. The focus has been on maximizing the utilization of existing canal networks, improving water distribution efficiency, and ensuring that the benefits reach farmers across different regions of the state.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Kulwant Singh said that strengthening agriculture is essential for the prosperity of Punjab and the well-being of farming communities. He stated that the significant increase in land receiving canal water reflects the importance of investing in irrigation infrastructure and improving access to essential agricultural services.
He further noted that better irrigation facilities not only reduce the burden on farmers but also contribute to sustainable agricultural development. Ensuring that water reaches more fields helps improve productivity, conserve groundwater resources, and create a stronger foundation for the future of Punjab’s agricultural sector. As Punjab continues to focus on agricultural development, initiatives aimed at improving irrigation infrastructure and supporting farmers will remain important priorities. Expanded canal water coverage is expected to contribute to stronger rural economies, improved farm productivity, and better livelihood opportunities for farming families across the state, including those in the Mohali region
