Irrigation and watershed-development projects are continuing to support agricultural activities in Jharsuguda district, helping farmers reduce their dependence on uncertain rainfall. Under the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY), the Jharsuguda-WDC project benefited 375 farmers during 2025–26. The project had also recorded benefits for farmers in earlier years.
The irrigation programme has also contributed to bringing additional agricultural land under irrigation. Official PMKSY data shows that the Jharsuguda-WDC project brought 10.50 hectares of additional area under irrigation during 2025–26, following 33.55 hectares in 2022–23, 90.75 hectares in 2023–24 and 14.95 hectares in 2024–25.
Water-management infrastructure is another important part of the programme. Jharsuguda recorded the construction or revival of 4 water-harvesting structures during 2025–26, in addition to structures created in previous years. Such measures can improve water availability, support soil-moisture conservation and strengthen farming systems in rain-dependent areas.
For local farmers, better irrigation access can provide greater flexibility in crop planning and help protect agricultural production during periods of irregular rainfall. Continued investment in irrigation, water harvesting and watershed development is therefore important for strengthening the district’s agricultural economy.