Cabinet Approves M-CADWM as Sub-Scheme under PMKSY

1. The Union Cabinet has approved Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) as a sub-scheme of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for 2025–2026.
2. It aims to modernize irrigation water supply networks and create a robust backend infrastructure for micro-irrigation.
3. The scheme has an initial total outlay of ₹1600 crore.

Objective of M-CADWM

1. To modernize irrigation systems that supply water from existing canals or other sources in designated clusters.
2. To ensure last-mile connectivity with pressurized underground piped irrigation from source to farm gate (up to 1 hectare).
3. To enhance Water Use Efficiency (WUE) at the farm level, thereby improving agricultural productivity and farmers’ income.

Key Features of M-CADWM

1. Modern Irrigation Infrastructure

1. Underground pressurized piped irrigation systems up to 1 hectare.
2. Supports micro-irrigation readiness from the backend to the farm gate.

2. Advanced Technology for Water Management: Deployment of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and Internet of Things (IoT) for:
   1. Real-time water accounting.
   2. Efficient water distribution and monitoring.
3. Sustainable Irrigation Governance

1. Adoption of Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) to Water User Societies (WUS) for local management of irrigation infrastructure.
2. WUSs to receive handholding support for 5 years and will be linked to:
   • Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
   • Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and other economic entities.

4. Youth-Oriented Approach: Encourages youth participation in agriculture by introducing modern, tech-enabled irrigation practices.
5. Pilot Implementation

1. Pilot projects will be initiated through challenge funding across various agro-climatic zones of the country.
2. Learnings will help in formulating a National Plan for Command Area Development and Water Management under the 16th Finance Commission period from April 2026.

Background: What is the CADWM Programme?

1. Genesis & Evolution

1. Launched as Command Area Development (CAD) in 1974-75.
2. Restructured in 2004 and renamed as Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM).
3. Implemented under PMKSY-Har Khet Ko Pani since 2015-16.

2. Objectives

1. To ensure effective utilization of irrigation potential created.
2. To increase agricultural productivity through both structural and non-structural interventions.

3. Components

1. Structural Interventions:
   • On-Farm Development (OFD) works.
   • Construction of field, intermediate, and link drains.
2. Non-Structural Interventions:
   • One-time Functional Grant to registered Water Users’ Associations (WUAs).
   • Training, demonstrations, and adaptive trials for improving water use efficiency.

 

About Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) Launched in 2015-16. Aims to: Expand cultivable area under assured irrigation. Improve on-farm water use efficiency. Promote water conservation and ensure "Har Khet Ko Pani".

 

Also Read
FREE NIOS Books	UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Monthly Magazine	Previous Year Interview Questions
Free MCQs for UPSC Prelims	UPSC Test Series
ENSURE IAS NOTES	Our Booklist