The Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave its approval for the Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) as a sub-scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). This initiative, with an initial outlay of Rs. 1600 crore, is set to run for the period 2025-2026 and is designed to significantly enhance the irrigation infrastructure in India.
The primary goal of M-CADWM is to modernize the irrigation water supply network, ensuring that irrigation water reaches the designated farming clusters from existing canals or other water sources. This will help farmers, particularly those engaged in small-scale farming, by improving water efficiency through the use of advanced technologies such as SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies will assist in better water accounting and management, directly contributing to increased Water Use Efficiency (WUE) at the farm level.
A key feature of the M-CADWM scheme is the implementation of underground pressurized piped irrigation systems, extending up to 1 hectare per farm. This infrastructure will be developed to enhance micro-irrigation practices, enabling farmers to use water more effectively and ultimately increasing agricultural production and productivity.
In addition to modernizing the irrigation systems, the scheme aims to build sustainable farming practices. It proposes the Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) to Water User Societies (WUS), empowering these communities to manage irrigation assets independently. To ensure long-term success, these societies will receive handholding support for the next five years, helping them connect with economic entities like Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) or Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS). This linkage will further strengthen their economic position and promote sustainable water management practices.
The M-CADWM scheme also seeks to make agriculture more appealing to youth by encouraging the adoption of modern irrigation techniques, creating new opportunities for young people in the agricultural sector. This is expected to boost youth engagement in farming and improve overall agricultural practices across the country.
