<h1>India, West Bengal, and AIIB sign $145M loan to boost irrigation and flood management in Damodar Valley, aiding 2.7M farmers.</h1> The Government of India, West Bengal, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have signed a $145 million loan agreement to enhance irrigation and flood management in the Damodar Valley Command Area, benefiting 2.7 million farmers across five districts. The project aims to modernize the 60-year-old infrastructure, addressing issues like inefficient irrigation and flood vulnerability. It will improve irrigation efficiency and reduce flood damage through infrastructure upgrades and flood protection measures. Institutional reforms include a modern Management Information System, improved service delivery, and performance-based recruitment of Irrigation Service Providers. The project is co-financed with the AIIB, IBRD, and the West Bengal government.