The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has
announced the approval of a new irrigation project, the "Dhar Micro Lift
Irrigation Project," in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, under the Rural
Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF). The project aims to increase
agricultural productivity and ensure sustainable water management in the
region. The project will irrigate 55,000 hectares of land in five tehsils of
Dhar district—Dhar, Sardarpur, Gandhwani, Pithampur, and Manawar. This
initiative is expected to significantly improve irrigation water availability,
thereby increasing crop yields and supporting the livelihoods of local farmers.
Since its inception in 1995, RIDF has been instrumental in financing rural
infrastructure projects in the state. As of October 30, 2025, NABARD has
approved a total of 3,762 projects under RIDF in the state of Madhya Pradesh,
involving loan assistance of ₹44,112 crore. Of this, ₹35,699 crore (81%) has
already been disbursed. These projects span various sectors, including
agriculture, irrigation, rural connectivity, and social infrastructure. This
information was provided by Mrs. C. Saraswati, Chief General Manager, NABARD.
She said that NABARD is committed to supporting rural infrastructure
development through RIDF, ensuring inclusive growth and sustainable development
in rural India.