Ilam district saw the completion of 59 irrigation projects, funded with an investment of Rs 348.7 million, in the fiscal year 2023/24. These projects, under the Small Irrigation Programme, have benefited over 2,100 households across the district.

The projects have improved irrigation facilities, bringing relief to local farmers. Ten projects were completed in Suryodaya Municipality, nine in Ilam Municipality, eight in Mangsebung Rural Municipality and seven in Mai Municipality, according to Keshav Lama, chief of the Small Irrigation Programme.

The construction of a canal with an investment of Rs 4 million in Gajurmukhi village of Mangsebung Rural Municipality has ended the compulsion to rely on rainwater for farming. Similarly, in Lapsibote of Maijogmai Rural Municipality, a project built with an investment of Rs 5 million is directly benefiting 58 households.

These projects were developed through collaboration between the federal government, province government, local government, and the Swiss Government.