The expansion of canal irrigation facilities across Punjab continues to strengthen the state’s agricultural sector by providing farmers with improved access to irrigation water and reducing their dependence on expensive alternatives. The initiative reflects the Punjab Government’s continued commitment to supporting farmers through better water management, modern irrigation infrastructure, and sustainable agricultural development under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
According to the latest available figures, remarkable progress has been achieved in expanding canal irrigation coverage across the state. In 2022, nearly 20.89 lakh acres of agricultural land received irrigation through canal networks, benefiting approximately 26.5 percent of Punjab’s farmers. By 2026, this coverage has increased significantly to nearly 58 lakh acres, enabling around 78 percent of farmers to benefit from canal-based irrigation. The substantial increase highlights the government’s sustained efforts to strengthen irrigation infrastructure and improve water availability for the farming community.
Improved access to canal water has provided significant relief to farmers by ensuring a more reliable source of irrigation while reducing dependence on groundwater extraction and high-cost irrigation methods. The expansion of canal networks is expected to lower cultivation costs, improve crop productivity, promote efficient water management, and contribute towards the long-term conservation of groundwater resources.
Farmers from different regions of Punjab, including tail-end areas that previously faced irregular water supply, are now benefiting from improved canal connectivity and more efficient water distribution. Better irrigation facilities are helping ensure equitable access to water, strengthening agricultural productivity, and supporting the economic well-being of rural communities across the state.
For farmers in SAS Nagar Mohali and other agricultural regions, the expanded canal irrigation network provides greater confidence during every cultivation season. Reliable water availability plays a crucial role in ensuring healthy crop growth, improving farm output, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. The initiative also complements broader rural development efforts by enhancing agricultural infrastructure and strengthening the livelihood of farming families.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Kulwant Singh said that agriculture remains the backbone of Punjab’s economy, and strengthening irrigation infrastructure is essential for ensuring the long-term prosperity of farmers. He stated that the remarkable increase in canal-irrigated agricultural land reflects the Punjab Government’s commitment to improving essential agricultural infrastructure and delivering practical benefits to the farming community.
He further said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, continuous efforts are being made to modernise irrigation systems, improve water distribution, and ensure that every eligible farmer receives the benefits of government initiatives. He emphasised that expanding canal irrigation not only supports higher agricultural productivity but also helps conserve precious groundwater resources, reduce farming costs, and promote environmentally sustainable agriculture.
The expansion of Punjab’s canal irrigation network marks another significant step towards building a stronger and more resilient agricultural sector. Through sustained investment in irrigation infrastructure, efficient water management, and farmer-focused policies, the Punjab Government remains committed to strengthening rural development, enhancing agricultural productivity, and securing a better future for farming communities across Punjab.
