From Drought to Abundance: Sujalam Sufalam Yojana in Gujarat

Oct 15, 2024

Gujarat has thrived in agriculture and allied sectors, largely due to improved irrigation and innovative farming practices. At the heart of this transformation lies the Sujalam Sufalam Yojana, a visionary initiative launched by Narendra Modi in 2003 during his tenure as Chief Minister. This ground-breaking scheme was designed to combat water scarcity and revolutionize water management across the state. Regions once plagued by drought—such as North Gujarat, Saurashtra, Kutch, and Central Gujarat—have experienced a remarkable turnaround. The Sujalam Sufalam Yojana has not only rejuvenated agriculture but also fortified communities, uniting the people of Gujarat in a shared commitment to prosperity and resilience. The Sujalam Sufalam Yojana aims to rejuvenate rivers, construct check dams, and promote water conservation in Gujarat. This initiative seeks to enhance the state's resilience to water shortages, boost agricultural productivity, and transform semi-arid regions into productive agricultural zones. In the village of Malgarh Mama Nagar in the Banaskantha district, farmers like Kalpesh Kumar Solanki, who owns 30 acres of land, have seen significant benefits. Previously struggling with declining water levels, Kalpesh now irrigates his fields using water delivered via PVC pipelines from the scheme. This has increased his crop yields of peanuts, potatoes, and other vegetables, allowing him to grow more and earn higher profits. Additionally, clean water now reaches his home, meeting his household needs.