How did the Nagarjuna Sagar project increase rice and sugarcane production?

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Andhra Pradesh View of Kolleru Lake, northeastern Andhra Pradesh, India.

The Nagarjuna Sagar multipurpose project increased the production of rice and sugarcane by diverting the waters of the Krishna River for irrigation.1

By constructing this dam and reservoir, the project enabled the effective use of river water for agricultural purposes in both coastal and drier upland regions of Andhra Pradesh. This infrastructure development allowed for expanded irrigation capabilities, which directly supported the cultivation of these water-intensive crops.1