Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management

1. The Union Cabinet has given its nod to the Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) scheme, a significant sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
2. This initiative is slated to be implemented during the financial period of 2025–2026, with a strong focus on modernizing irrigation infrastructure and enhancing water efficiency in agriculture.

About Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

Launched in 2015-16, PMKSY aims to:

1. Provide assured irrigation by enhancing physical access to water on farms.
2. Improve on-farm water use efficiency.
3. Expand the area under sustainable and reliable irrigation systems.

Highlights of M-CADWM Sub-Scheme

Key Objective

To upgrade and modernize the irrigation water delivery systems that bring water from existing canals or other sources to a defined command area or cluster of farms.

Infrastructure Enhancement

1. Development of a pressurized underground piped irrigation network to deliver water from the source to the farm gate, covering up to 1 hectare.
2. This infrastructure will serve as a strong backend support system for promoting micro-irrigation among farmers.

Integration of Advanced Technologies

1. The scheme will incorporate Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
2. It will also leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) to facilitate accurate water accounting and efficient water management practices.

Expected Outcomes and Benefits

1. Higher Water Use Efficiency (WUE): Optimized irrigation at the farm level will lead to better crop yields and higher productivity.
2. Sustainable Agricultural Practices: The scheme promotes Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) to Water User Societies (WUS), empowering them to take charge of irrigation assets.
   • These societies will receive dedicated handholding support for five years, enabling them to establish links with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and other agribusiness networks.
3. Youth Engagement in Agriculture: By integrating modern irrigation techniques, the scheme aims to attract younger generations to farming.

 

Command Area Development and Water Management (CAD&WM) Programme Originally launched in 1974-75, the programme was revamped in 2004 and renamed as Command Area Development and Water Management (CAD&WM). Since 2015-16, it has been implemented under PMKSY – Har Khet Ko Pani. Core Objective is to ensure better utilization of irrigation infrastructure, thereby enhancing both agricultural productivity and sustainability of farming systems.   Key Components of CAD&WM 1. Structural Interventions Execution of On-Farm Development (OFD) works. Construction of field, intermediate, and link drains for efficient water distribution. 2. Non-Structural Interventions Provision of a one-time functional grant to registered Water Users’ Associations (WUAs). Conducting training programs, demonstrations, and adaptive trials to boost water use efficiency at the grassroots level.