World Bank to Fund Irrigation Project in India

The World Bank (WB) is expected to sign an agreement with West Bengal’s Government to provide financial assistance to a $300m project in the irrigation sector.

The project will involve the development of 4,660 minor irrigation structures and ground water-based irrigation in 18 districts in the Indian state.

The project is expected to commence in January 2012 and bring 1,389km² of additional agricultural land under assured irrigation.

WB’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Development Association will provide a loan of $125m each for the project.

The remaining funds for the project will be provided by the local government, reports the Press Trust of India.