Significant Disparity in Irrigation Utilization in Assam

Assam faces a critical issue with irrigation, where less than 10% of cultivated land benefits from government schemes. Despite the irrigation potential of 12.6 lakh hectares, actual utilization has declined. The state grapples with climate change impacts, including erratic rainfall patterns, making farmers increasingly vulnerable. A recent study highlights the need for a shift from traditional rainfed agriculture to irrigation-based systems to enhance productivity. This article delves into the challenges and the urgent need for improved irrigation infrastructure in Assam.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 25, 2026, 10:30 IST

Irrigation Challenges in Assam

Guwahati, Feb 25: In Assam, there exists a considerable gap between the irrigation potential that has been developed and what is actually being utilized. Currently, less than 10% of the cultivated land benefits from government irrigation schemes, despite the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns.

The state's irrigation department reported that as of March last year, it had established irrigation potential across 8.84 lakh hectares, while the total potential is estimated at 12.6 lakh hectares, as per the State Economic Survey for 2025-26.

However, the area actually irrigated in the year 2024-25 was recorded at 2,50,293 hectares, a decline from 2,98,314 hectares the previous year.

With a total cropped area of approximately 40.88 lakh hectares, this indicates that less than 10% of agricultural land is covered by these irrigation initiatives.

The survey highlights that general deterioration of irrigation infrastructure, along with a lack of consistent funding for maintenance, has resulted in a loss of potential irrigation capacity.

Additional issues contributing to the non-functionality of these schemes include inconsistent power supply, damage to electrical infrastructure, changes in river flow affecting surface irrigation, and theft of equipment such as motors and pumps.

The slow advancement in establishing irrigation facilities is particularly concerning as the state grapples with the adverse effects of climate change, notably a decline in rainfall during the Rabi season.

In 2022, rainfall during the Rabi season deviated by minus 40.46%. Similar deviations were observed in previous years: minus 43% in 2018, minus 67.6% in 2019, minus 55.46% in 2020, and minus 46.97% in 2021.

The survey emphasizes that while the state possesses the natural resources to enhance its agricultural sector, erratic weather and flooding have made farmers increasingly vulnerable. To improve cropping intensity and yield, establishing reliable irrigation systems is essential.

A comprehensive study over the past 70 years revealed that 91% of the average annual rainfall occurred during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, indicating a heavy reliance on these periods for agricultural productivity. This underscores the urgent need to transition from traditional rainfed systems to irrigation-based methods.

Throughout the 70-year period from 1951 to 2020, drought conditions affected at least one of the 35 districts in Assam during August in 54 years and in September in 53 years. Notably, every district experienced at least five to seven drought years in these months.