Terai surface irrigation

The important Government developed projects before, 1951 revolution were mostly in the Terai, of which 10,000 ha Chandra Canal (1928) is best known and serving till today. After fifties construction of medium sized Terai irrigation projects (Kankai, Manusmara, Sirsia-Dudhaura and Tilawe etc) was carried out. The 1954 Koshi agreement with India led to the construction of Sunsari-Morang (66,000 ha), while the 1959 Gandak agreement to Narayani (38,000 ha) and West Gandak. Command area developemtn in these large projects was initiated in sixth and seventh plan periods and is still continuing. Presently it is reported that more than 100 Government developed surface irrigation schemes command 353922 ha of land in Terai; this includes also the schemes presently managed by the beneficiary farmers. In addition to this 253107 ha of farmer developed and farmer managed systems have not received any assistance from government. Of the reported net command area (NCA) only 72% of land is receiving monsoon irrigation and 32% in winter.

Government Irrigation Policy sets by Agriculture Perspective Plan

1. Efficient use existing irrigated areas, combination of agricultural and irrigation Management Programme.

2. Management transfer of existing small and medium AMIS and ground water.

3. Completion of on-going public surface schemes and transfer to farmer participatory management.

4. Coverage of all areas of Terai with Shallow Tube – Wells, where economically feasible.

5. Expansion and rehabilitation of Farmer Managed Surface Schemes.

6. Development of farmer operated Deep Tube – Wells.

7. Implementation of small and medium Irrigation schemes.

8. Studies and successive implementation of new large surface schemes (multipurpose as well) in Terai.