New Delhi, Sept. 16 -- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said canal irrigation had expanded to 80% of the state's fields and that his government was targeting 100% coverage. He made the remarks while addressing a Lok Milni programme at Jindwari village in Sri Anandpur Sahib.

Mann said the proportion of fields receiving canal water had risen from 22% before his government took office. He also highlighted a 14,000-km canal-water pipeline network as part of efforts to expand irrigation.

The chief minister said the government had focused on free electricity, merit-based recruitment, education, healthcare, roads and village development. He said more than 90% of households were receiving free power and that farmers were get...