Paralakhemundi,(Tarini Prasad Panda):Strengthening dams, reservoirs, minor irrigation projects and rainwater harvesting systems is essential for ensuring sustainable agriculture in Gajapati district, MLA Rupesh Panigrahy said while reviewing the progress of the under-construction Nuagaon Barrage Project across the Mahendratanaya River. Officials informed that upon completion, the project will provide irrigation to nearly 1,920 hectares of farmland in Gosani and Gumma blocks. A bridge being constructed over the Mahendratanaya River as part of the project is also expected to improve connectivity between Sarada and Nuagaon villages. Farmers welcomed the MLA’s intervention and expressed hope that the government would take early steps to strengthen irrigation infrastructure, giving a major boost to agriculture in the district. The meeting was attended by Gosani Block Chairman N. Veeraraju, the local Sarpanch and officials of the Water Resources Department.