Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management
Kartavya Desk Staff
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.
• 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:
• 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
• 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:
• 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
• 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:
• 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
• 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.
• 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:
• 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
• 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