The agriculture sector has a vital role in Punjab‘s economy and proper irrigation facilities are indispensable for farmers. For last four and half years, Punjab Government under the leadership of Bhagwant Mann has been working hard on enhancing the irrigation facilities and making canal water easily accessible to farmers.
Canal Irrigation Coverage Sees Major Expansion
Data released in October 2026 by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann indicate that in 2026, canal water was now irrigating over 80% of Punjab’s farmland as opposed to only about 22% in 2022. The state government aims to extend canal water to all farm fields in Punjab.
14,000 kilometers of pipelines strengthen water supply.
Another significant change in the irrigation system in Punjab has been the increase in underground pipelines. According to the Chief Minister, about 14,000 kilometres of pipelines had been laid, which brought the canal water to the fields.The government has also declared an additional 6,000 kilometers of pipes, which will increase the irrigation range.
Old Canals Revived to Enhance Irrigation
The Punjab government also prioritized restoring old water channels and other water routes that had been abandoned for many years. As per government figures from March 2026, 101 orphan canals were restored along with the cleaning/restoration of thousands of water channels and waterways.This has maintained some of these canals and made it possible to connect new agricultural land to them. Restoring old irrigation channels is also important to extend water supply to villages and farms in the areas where access was problematic.
Less reliance on groundwater
Has been struggling with falling underground water levels because of more reliance on underground water for agriculture. Increasing canal irrigation projects offers farmers more resources of water and can also bring down the demand on underground water.The government has also touted increased availability of canal water as a step on the path to improved water management and sustainable long-term agriculture.
Better irrigation facilities for Punjab’s farmers
Irrigation for the farmer and his farm is as important as for the administration. – Bhagwant Mann The Bhagwant Mann government will provide irrigation facilities to more farmers by extending pipelines, reviving canals and better distribution of water.The larger goal is to enable even farmers in far-flung or tail-end areas to get good access to canal water.
