Press Release

New Delhi, March 29th, 2023: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed a loan Agreement with the Government of India to provide Japanese ODA loan amounting to JPY 18,894 million (approx. INR 1056 crore) for the Rajasthan Water Sector Livelihood Improvement Project (II). The project aims to improve the livelihoods of farmers and promote gender mainstreaming in agriculture and irrigation sectors in the state of Rajasthan by enhancing water use efficiency and agriculture productivity.

The loan agreement was signed by Mr. Rajat Kumar Mishra, additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India and MR. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India office.

The project will contribute to the socio-economic development of the state by especially supporting female farmers' participation in agriculture activities, leading to increased productivity and improved access to markets.

"The Rajasthan Water Sector Livelihood Improvement Project (II) will address the challenges faced by farmers in Rajasthan due to the limited availability of water and promote gender equality in the agriculture and irrigation sector," said Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative of JICA India Office. "JICA is committed to support India's efforts to achieve sustainable development and contribute to the well-being of the people in Rajasthan."

The Rajasthan Water Sector Livelihood Improvement Project (II) is 2nd tranche of The Rajasthan Water Sector Livelihood Improvement Project (I) which was signed on March 31, 2017. The project is a continuation of the successful implementation of the "Rajasthan Minor Irrigation Improvement Project (RAJAMIIP)" from 2005 to 2015 under Japanese ODA loan. Based on the lessons learned from RAJAMIIP and the tight water demand-supply balance, the project is designed to improve efficient/ sustainable water use through rehabilitation of medium and minor irrigation schemes, increase agricultural productivity and marketing capacity, and promote gender mainstreaming in agriculture and irrigation sectors.

The signing of the ODA Loan agreement for the Rajasthan Water Sector Livelihood Improvement Project (II) reinforces the strong partnership between Japan and India in promoting sustainable development in the country. The project will be implemented by the Government of Rajasthan and is expected to benefit approximately 900,000 farmers in the State.

About JICA

Established, by a specific law, as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation, as a sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation. JICA is the world's largest bilateral donor agency. JICA works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, and provides assistance in forms of loan, grant and technical cooperation so that the emerging countries can strengthen their capabilities.

• JICA India Office Web
• JICA India Brochure (PDF)
• JICA Facebook Page (external link)

For further information, please contact:

JICA India Office
Shusaku Takada /Aishwarya Mishra
(+91)-11-49097000
Takada.Shusaku@jica.go.jp
Mishra-Aishwarya@jica.go.jp

Edelman India
Rakhi Aurora
(+91)-9599067185
Rakhi.Aurora@edelman.com