“Himachal Pradesh’s Phina Singh irrigation project in Kangra district, recently funded with Rs 55.51 crore by the Centre, aims to transform agriculture by irrigating thousands of hectares. Launched after a decade-long delay, the scheme will boost productivity, support farmers, and enhance rural livelihoods, marking a significant step toward sustainable farming in the region.”
Himachal’s Phina Singh Project to Revolutionize Farming
The Himachal Pradesh government, in collaboration with the Central government, has taken a significant step toward bolstering agricultural productivity with the recent approval and release of Rs 55.51 crore for the Phina Singh irrigation project in Kangra district. This long-delayed initiative, originally started in 2011 at an estimated cost of Rs 204 crore, has now escalated to over Rs 650 crore due to prolonged delays. The project is poised to become a game-changer for farmers in Nurpur and surrounding areas, addressing the critical need for reliable irrigation facilities in the region.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who also holds the Jal Shakti portfolio, announced the funding on June 13, 2025, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring water reaches every farmer’s field. The scheme is expected to irrigate thousands of hectares of farmland, enabling farmers to cultivate multiple crops annually and significantly increasing their income. The project’s completion will not only enhance agricultural output but also uplift rural livelihoods by providing a stable water supply, a critical factor in the hilly state’s challenging terrain.
The Phina Singh project has been a long-standing demand of Kangra’s farming community, which has faced water scarcity issues for years. The region’s dependence on rain-fed agriculture has often left farmers vulnerable to erratic monsoons, impacting crop yields and financial stability. With the infusion of central funds, the state government aims to modernize irrigation infrastructure, ensuring year-round water availability. This aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, as highlighted by recent initiatives like the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, which focuses on irrigation, credit, and crop diversification to support farmers nationwide.
Local farmers have expressed optimism about the project’s potential to transform their lives. “For years, we’ve struggled with unpredictable rains. This irrigation scheme will allow us to grow crops consistently and improve our earnings,” said Ramesh Kumar, a farmer from Nurpur. The project is also expected to create employment opportunities by encouraging allied agricultural activities such as horticulture and dairy farming, which are gaining traction in the region.
In addition to the Phina Singh project, Himachal Pradesh is witnessing other agricultural advancements. For instance, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University in Palampur has developed 182 new crop varieties, contributing to enhanced productivity. The state government is also promoting sustainable practices, with initiatives like the Green Panchayat Scheme, which includes setting up 500 KW solar power plants in 100 panchayats to support eco-friendly farming.
However, challenges remain. The state’s fragile ecology, exacerbated by climate change, has led to disruptions like the recent monsoon havoc that claimed 69 lives and caused over Rs 400 crore in damages. Landslides and blocked roads have further complicated access to farmlands, underscoring the need for robust infrastructure to complement irrigation efforts. The government has responded by agreeing to an IIT Roorkee audit for slope protection along road projects, ensuring safer agricultural landscapes.
The Phina Singh irrigation project is a beacon of hope for Himachal’s farmers, promising not only water security but also economic empowerment. As the state navigates environmental and infrastructural challenges, such initiatives signal a commitment to building a resilient agricultural ecosystem that can withstand the pressures of a changing climate while fostering prosperity for rural communities.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements from sources like prokerala.com, Times of India, and The Hindu, published between June and July 2025. Information is subject to change as new developments emerge. Readers are advised to verify details with official government announcements.