Tamulpur, Sept. 2 -- Assam Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Pijush Hazarika on Wednesday announced a Rs 70-crore canal irrigation project during an extensive tour of Tamulpur district to inspect major irrigation schemes and promote commercial farming.

Accompanied by Cabinet Minister and local MLA Biswajit Daimary, Hazarika visited Manas Chowki in Subankhata to assess the feasibility of a canal irrigation project using water from the Pagladia River, which originates in the Bhutan hills.

The proposed project will cover around 1,800 hectares of farmland and include a mini-reservoir, an aqueduct and strengthening of the existing sluice gate, according to the minister.

Hazarika said the initiative is part of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa ...