Irrigation Projects in Kerala

Irrigation projects in the state are implemented under the Water Resources Department, Government of Kerala. Irrigation projects that provide irrigation to an area of ​​more than ten thousand hectares are classified as Major irrigation projects, projects that can irrigate 2000 hectares to ten thousand hectares are classified as Medium irrigation projects, and projects up to 2000 hectares are classified as Minor irrigation projects.

Agriculture and irrigation are closely related, as irrigation is essential for agriculture for improving crop yields and securing food supplies. The Major and Minor irrigation systems are important in kerala for maximizing the agricultural production, especially in the areas that are susceptible to drought or inconsistent rainfall, thereby supporting the livelihoods and fostering economic development. As per the assessment of the Department of Economics and Statistics (DES), Government of Kerala, the extent of area irrigated in Kerala in 2024-2025 had slightly increased to 4.38 lakh Hectares as compared to the 2023-2024 figure of 4.19 lakh Hectares, a marginal increase of 0.19 lakh Hectares. 

In terms of crops, cloves and betel leaves benefited the most from irrigation during the review period. Coconut and paddy cultivation derived the greatest benefit from irrigation during 2024–2025. However, the irrigated area for paddy decreased compared to the previous year; the gross irrigated area for paddy fell significantly from 1.60 lakh hectares (2023–2024) to 1.44 lakh hectares (2024–2025). Meanwhile, the irrigated area for coconut remained unchanged at 1.63 lakh hectares. Compared to previous years, the irrigated area for vegetables saw a slight increase, rising to 0.30 lakh hectares in 2024–2025 from 0.29 lakh hectares. Conversely, the irrigated area for bananas decreased slightly to 0.40 lakh hectares in 2024–2025, down from 0.42 lakh hectares in 2023–2024.

1. Major Irrigation projects

Major Irrigation projects are large-scale projects feature a Culturable Command Area of more than 10,000 hectares. They typically involve massive dams, barrages, and wide canal networks. Some Major Irrigation projects are described below.

1. Idamalayar Major Irrigation Project (IIP)

2. Kallada Major Irrigation Project

3. Malampuzha Major Irrigation Project

4. Pazhassi Major Irrigation Project 

5. Periyar Valley Major Irrigation Project

6. Pamba Major Irrigation Project

7. Kanhirapuzha Major Irrigation Project

8. Peechi Major Irrigation Project

9. Chalakudy Stage - I & II Irrigation Project

10. Chimony Major Irrigation Project 

11. Chitturpuzha Major Irrigation Project 

12. Kuttiyadi Major Irrigation Project 

2. Medium Irrigation projects

Medium irrigation projects are mid-scale projects feature a Culturable Command Area between 2,000 and 10,000 hectares. They use smaller reservoirs and modest distribution channels. Some medium irrigation projects are described below.

1. Karapuzha Medium Irrigation Project

2. Banasurasagar Medium Irrigation Project

3. Bridge Cum Regulator At Thirthala

4. Bridge Cum Regulator at Chamravattam

5. Cheerakuzhi Medium Irrigation Project

6. Gayathri Medium Irrigation Project

7. Mangalam Medium Irrigation Project

8. Neyyar Stage I & II Medium Irrigation Project

9. Palakapandi Medium Irrigation Project

10. Pothundi Medium Irrigation Project

11. Vazhani Medium Irrigation Project

12. Walayar Medium Irrigation Project

Major and Medium Irrigation (MMI) Projects Census 

The Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India launched the 1st Census of Major and Medium Irrigation (MMI) Projects in April 2025 under an expanded national Irrigation Census Scheme. The 1st Census of Major and Medium Irrigation Projects is carried out to systematically gather the information regarding the operational status and performance of major and medium irrigation projects throughout the country. Currently, the collection and entry of data for the 1st Major and Medium Irrigation Census are underway at the Divisional office level.

3. Minor Irrigation projects

Minor Irrigation Projects are small systems feature a Culturable Command Area of 2,000 hectares or less. They rely on local sources like groundwater, open wells, tube wells, and small tanks. Minor Irrigation Projects are managed by Ground Water Department / Irrigation Department. The Minor Irrigation Census, which is being carried out by the India Government, offers comprehensive data on Minor Irrigation Projects. The census is carried out by considering several factors such as irrigation sources, Irrigation Potential Utilised (IPU), different energy sources, Irrigation Potential Created (IPC) and the equipment used for water lifting. As per the sixth Census of Minor Irrigation (MI) schemes with reference year 2017-18, published by the Ministry of Jal Shakthi, Kerala has a total of 92,574 MI schemes. This includes 67.5 per cent (62,453) Ground Water (GW) schemes and 32.5 per cent (30,121) Surface Water (SW) schemes.