New Delhi, Feb 28 : Substantial irrigation potential has been created in the country through major, medium and minor irrigation schemes.

The total irrigation potential in the country has increased from 81.1 million hectares in 1991-92 to 102.8 million hectares in 2006-07.

This was stated in the Economic Survey 2007-08 presented in Parliament today by Finance Minister P. Chidambaram.

Irrigation is one of the six components for the development of rural infrastructure under the Bharat Nirman.

During 2005-06 and 2006-07, 1.68 million hectares and 1.94 million hectares of irrigation potential, respectively, is reported to have been created. (ANI)