Bhubaneswar: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to give 188 US million dollar as loan for the improvement in the irrigation sector of Orissa.

The funds would be spent under the Orissa Irrigated Agriculture and Water Management programme.

Under this project, Budhabalanga, Baitarani, Subarnarekeha and Chitrotpala basin will be inter-linked.

Besides, six major irrigation projects, nine medium and 1,400 lift irrigation points would be set up that would facilitate irrigation in 2.24 lakh hectare of lands.

A tripartite agreement was signed in New Delhi by the Centre, the ADB and the Orissa government.

As per the agreement, ADB will provide 47 US million dollar in the first phase.

The state government will repay the money at a five per cent interest in a period of 25 years.