From barren to bountiful: Himachal Govt’s irrigation push transforms Mandi village

A wave of green has swept across Samkhetar village in the Jogindernagar subdivision of Mandi district, marking the revival of farmland that lay barren for over a decade. This transformation is the result of a targeted irrigation initiative by the state government in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aimed at promoting crop diversification and strengthening rural economies.

At the heart of this change lies a Rs 39.47 lakh irrigation project that now supports 12.80 hectares of land and benefits nearly 70 farming families. With water now flowing regularly from the Bhede Nala through a modern pipeline and canal system, local fields have turned fertile once again. Farmers, who once relied solely on unpredictable rainfall, can now cultivate two crops annually—an unthinkable dream just a few years ago.

Local farmer Sheela Devi, whose land remained uncultivated for 10–12 years, shared her joy: “Earlier, we gave up on these lands due to wild animals and lack of water. Now, we grow wheat, maize, and vegetables. The project even provided us with free ginger and turmeric seeds.”

Even more promising is the market access facilitated by JICA, eliminating the need for middlemen. “JICA is helping us sell our harvest, and that has made farming sustainable again,” Sheela added.

Bhim Singh, the village pradhan, believes the impact goes beyond agriculture. “This is about rural empowerment. Youth who were migrating for jobs are now seeing agriculture as a viable livelihood,” he noted.