Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM)
The Union Cabinet has approved the M-CADWM as a sub-scheme under the PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for the period up to 2025-26, with an initial allocation of ₹1,600 crore.
Key Features of the Scheme
- The initiative includes 78 pilot projects aimed at benefiting approximately 80,000 farmers.
- The scheme focuses on modernizing the irrigation water supply network to improve water delivery from existing canals or other sources to designated clusters.
- The goal is to establish a robust infrastructure for micro-irrigation extending from the established source to the farm gate up to 1 hectare using underground pressurized piped irrigation.
- Technology Adoption: Utilization of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for efficient water accounting and management.
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced Water Use Efficiency (WUE) at the farm level.
- Increased agricultural production and productivity, leading to higher income for farmers.
- Sustainability of projects through Irrigation Management Transfer to Water User Societies for asset management.
- Linking Water User Societies with economic entities like Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) or Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) for a period of five years.
- Attraction of youth to farming through modern irrigation methods.
Implementation Strategy
- Initial implementation through pilot projects in various agroclimatic zones funded by state challenges.
- Based on the learnings from these projects, a National Plan for Command Area Development and Water Management will be launched starting April 2026 for the 16th Finance Commission period.
