The Department of Irrigation (DoI) has been working to expand irrigation services by 72,000 hectares in the next three years.

In order to implement the objectives of Water Resource Strategy and National Water Plan, the department is preparing to announce programs to expand irrigation facility. As per its plan, surface irrigation will be expanded by 34,800 hectares; underground irrigation will be expanded by 36,600 hectares and non-traditional irrigation by 500 hectares.

According to Shyam Bahadur Pandey, deputy director general of the department, the expanded services will increase job opportunities by 18,850 a year in agriculture sector.