Popular irrigation projects in Nepal

Popular irrigation projects in Nepal

Nepal has undertaken several significant irrigation projects to boost agricultural productivity and support the livelihoods of its population. Here are some of the top irrigation projects in Nepal and the main agricultural products they support:

  1. Koshi Irrigation Project:

    • Location: Eastern Terai, covering districts like Sunsari, Morang, and Saptari.
    • Products: Rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, jute, pulses, and various vegetables.
    • Details: This project utilizes the waters of the Koshi River to irrigate vast tracts of land in the eastern Terai region, one of the most fertile areas in Nepal.

  2. Chitwan Irrigation Project:

    • Location: Chitwan District in the central Terai.
    • Products: Rice, maize, wheat, mustard, and various vegetables.
    • Details: This project aims to optimize the use of water resources from the Narayani River and its tributaries, ensuring consistent irrigation for agriculture in Chitwan Valley.

  3. Sikta Irrigation Project:

    • Location: Banke District in the mid-western Terai.
    • Products: Rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, and various vegetables.
    • Details: This project is one of the largest irrigation projects in Nepal, designed to irrigate approximately 42,000 hectares of land using water from the Rapti River.

  4. Mahakali Irrigation Project:

    • Location: Far-western Terai, primarily in Kanchanpur District.
    • Products: Rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, pulses, and oilseeds.
    • Details: Utilizing water from the Mahakali River, this project aims to improve irrigation for about 33,000 hectares of agricultural land in the far western region.

  5. Babai Irrigation Project:

    • Location: Bardiya District in the mid-western Terai.
    • Products: Rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, and various vegetables.
    • Details: This project uses water from the Babai River to provide irrigation for around 36,000 hectares of farmland.

  6. Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project:

    • Location: Kailali District in the far-western Terai.
    • Products: Rice, wheat, maize, pulses, and various vegetables.
    • Details: This project aims to modernize and improve traditional irrigation systems, covering around 20,300 hectares of agricultural land, thereby enhancing productivity and livelihoods.

  7. Bagmati Irrigation Project:

    • Location: Central Terai, particularly in Sarlahi and Rautahat Districts.
    • Products: Rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, and various vegetables.
    • Details: Utilizing the Bagmati River, this project provides irrigation to a substantial area, supporting multiple cropping cycles annually.

These irrigation projects play a crucial role in Nepal's agricultural sector, ensuring water availability for crops, reducing dependency on rainfall, and enhancing food security. They support a wide range of agricultural products, contributing significantly to the country's economy and the livelihoods of the farming communities.