Reference:

• Under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet has approved the modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) as a sub-scheme under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for the period 2025–2026.
• The initial total outlay for the scheme is ₹1600 crore.

Objective of the Scheme:

• To modernize the irrigation water supply network to supply water from existing canals or other sources to designated clusters.

Key Features:

• The scheme will develop robust backend infrastructure for micro-irrigation by farmers from the source to the field through pressurized underground pipeline irrigation for up to one hectare.
• SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies will be used for measuring water quantity and water management.

Benefits:

• Improved water-use efficiency at the farm level and increased agricultural production.
• Increased productivity and farmers' income.
• Water User Associations (WUAs) will ensure sustainability of the projects through Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT).
• WUAs will be linked to existing economic entities like FPOs or PACS for 5 years to provide operational support.

Opportunities for Youth:

• The use of modern irrigation methods is expected to attract youth towards the agriculture sector.

Preliminary Approval and Pilot Projects:

• Under preliminary approval, states will be supported with challenge-mode funding to launch pilot projects in various agro-climatic zones of the country.
• Based on the experience from the design and structure of these projects, a national-level scheme for Command Area Development and Water Management will be launched from April 2026 for the 16th Finance Commission period.

Command Area Development & Water Management (CAD&WM):

• Started: 1974–75
• Reorganized: 2004
• Objective: To increase the utilization of created irrigation potential and improve agricultural productivity through a multidisciplinary, integrated, and coordinated approach.
• Since 2015–16, it is being implemented under PMKSY – Har Khet Ko Pani.

Components of CADWM Program:

• On-Farm Development (OFD) works
• Construction of field, intermediate, and link drains
• Correction of system deficiencies
• Restoration of waterlogged areas

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY):

• A Centrally Sponsored Scheme
• Launched: 2015
• Objective: To ensure “Har Khet Ko Pani” (Water to Every Field) and efficient management of water resources
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti

Key Components:

• Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program (AIBP): Completion of pending irrigation projects
• Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP): Development of small irrigation resources to deliver water to fields
• Approval: In December 2021, the implementation of PMKSY was approved for 2021–22 to 2025–26

16th Finance Commission (SFC):

• Constituted for: Five-year period starting FY 2026–27
• Recommendation Submission Deadline: 31 October 2025

Structure of the Commission: