Bihar Agriculture Mnister Vijay Kumar Sinha chaired a review meeting of his department in Patna on June 20, 2026.
By A Correspondent
Patna: Bihar Agriculture Minister, Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with the Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department, on Saturday conducted a detailed review of the progress and implementation of the Watershed Development Component under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0). The meeting focused on ensuring effective execution of the scheme, timely utilisation of allocated funds, and maximising benefits for farmers.
During the review, the minister directed officials to prepare action plans aligned with farmers’ needs and local conditions. He emphasised that irrigation and water conservation schemes must reach farmers without delay. He also stressed the need for better coordination with other departments, particularly the Minor Water Resources and Rural Development Departments, under the chairmanship of the Development Commissioner, Bihar, to ensure swift approval and efficient implementation of farmer-centric schemes.
The minister said that the agricultural sector plays a vital role in achieving the vision of a developed India. Providing improved irrigation facilities and enhancing agricultural production and productivity through watershed development remain among the government’s top priorities. He also instructed that all activities related to seed distribution must be completed on time to avoid any inconvenience to farmers during the sowing season and to ensure timely cultivation.
At the meeting, the Director of Land Conservation-cum-Chief Executive Officer of the Bihar Watershed Development Committee presented an update on the scheme’s progress. It was stated that WDC-PMKSY 2.0, originally approved for the financial period 2021–22 to 2025–26, has now been extended by the Government of India until September 2026. Additionally, ₹19.85 crore has been allocated by the Centre for the financial year 2026–27.
Officials informed that the annual action plan for 2026–27 must receive approval from the State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) for the utilisation of these funds. Although a meeting chaired by the Development Commissioner was held on May 7, 2026, the approval is still pending. Only after this clearance can work under the scheme proceed and funds be utilised.
The meeting also highlighted the urgency of utilising the funds provided by the Centre to ensure that the scheme’s financial progress at the national level is not affected. The minister and the Principal Secretary instructed concerned officials to expedite the necessary procedures and make all efforts to secure approval at the earliest.
Describing the watershed development scheme as one of the most important initiatives of the Agriculture Department, the minister said it plays a key role in increasing farmers’ income through water and soil conservation, rainwater harvesting, natural resource development, livelihood enhancement, and capacity building. He added that the scheme is contributing significantly to improving agricultural productivity while promoting conservation of natural resources in watershed areas.
During the review, officials noted that the effective implementation of the scheme currently involves 72 agricultural engineers, 38 Assistant Directors (Agriculture), and 46 Block Land Conservation Officers across the state. These officials are engaged in constructing soil and water conservation structures, strengthening production systems, and providing technical assistance to farmers.
Concluding the meeting, the minister directed that priority be given to securing approval for the next phase, WDC-PMKSY 3.0, and to preparing for its future implementation. He reaffirmed that both the Central and State governments are fully committed to the welfare of farmers and the poor. Continuous efforts are being made to enhance agricultural development and strengthen the rural economy, and no obstacles in development work will be tolerated.
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