Lucknow, Nov. 20 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday approved 95 new projects worth Rs.394.53 crore to strengthen the state's canal system and shore up irrigation capacity across 36,000 hectares, directly benefiting nearly nine lakh (900,000) farmers and rural communities.

Addressing officers at a review meeting of the irrigation and water resources department, the chief minister said the new projects will significantly boost the agricultural sector by ensuring timely and reliable irrigation facilities for farmers. In addition, 273 hectares of irrigation department land will be protected.

The chief minister instructed officers to complete all sanctioned projects within the stipulated time frame, emphasising that there must be...