Source: PIB
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the “Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM)” as a sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for FY 2025–26, with a total outlay of ₹1,600 crore.
About Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY):
- What it is?
- A comprehensive national irrigation scheme aimed at expanding irrigation coverage and improving efficiency of water use at the farm level.
- Launched in: 2015
- Ministries Involved: Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Ministry of Rural Development
- Implementing Agencies:
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- Ministry of Jal Shakti for irrigation infrastructure creation
- Ministry of Rural Development for watershed development
- Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for promoting precision irrigation
- Objectives:
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- Ensure convergence of investments in irrigation at the grassroots level
- Achieve the target of “Har Khet Ko Pani” (Water for Every Field)
- Promote water-saving irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler systems under the slogan “Per Drop More Crop”
- Conserve water and encourage the reuse of treated wastewater in peri-urban agriculture
- Key Features:
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- Merges ongoing schemes: Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, Integrated Watershed Management Programme, and On-Farm Water Management.
- Emphasises decentralised planning via District Irrigation Plans and State Irrigation Plans
- Establishes State-Level Sanctioning Committees for state oversight and a National Steering Committee for inter-ministerial coordination
About Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM):
- What it is?
- A newly reformulated sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana focusing on the modernisation of irrigation networks using digital and pressure irrigation technologies.
- Launched in: April 2025 (originally initiated as Command Area Development Programme in 1974–75)
- Aim: To increase the utilisation of created irrigation potential, enhance water use efficiency on farms, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
- Key Features:
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- Develops underground pressurised piped irrigation systems for water delivery up to 1-hectare farms
- Employs Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems and Internet of Things technologies for real-time water accounting and monitoring
- Transfers irrigation asset management to Water User Societies to ensure sustainability
- Facilitates partnerships of Water User Societies with Farmer Producer Organisations and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
- Aims to attract rural youth to agriculture through modern water management practices
