Union Cabinet approved M-CADWM as a sub-scheme under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for the period 2025–2026, with a financial outlay of ₹1,600 crore. This scheme is aimed at transforming irrigation infrastructure and improving water-use efficiency in Indian agriculture.
Key Features of M-CADWM Scheme:
Full Name: Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management
Parent Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
Duration: 2025–2026
Budget Allocation: ₹1,600 crore
Objectives:
- Modernise irrigation water supply networks
- Ensure water reaches farmers’ fields from canals or sources
- Improve Water Use Efficiency (WUE) at the farm level
- Use of modern technologies: Internet of Things (IoT) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)
Benefits & Impact:
- Improved water accounting & management
- Micro-irrigation systems through underground pressurised piped network (up to 1 hectare per farm)
- Encourages youth participation in agriculture via tech-driven farming
- Enhances agricultural production and productivity
- Boosts adoption of sustainable farming practices
Empowering Farmers Through IMT:
- Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) to Water User Societies (WUS)
- WUS to manage irrigation assets independently
- Support for 5 years to link with: Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS)
Infrastructure Focus:
- Implementation of on-farm development (OFD) works
- Monitoring of irrigation systems through smart tech
- Emphasis on cost-effective and efficient water distribution
Significance:
- Aligned with PMKSY’s vision: “Har Khet Ko Pani”
- Promotes Atmanirbhar Krishi (self-reliant agriculture)
- Ensures sustainable water management and inclusive agricultural growth
About Command Area Development and Water Management (CAD&WM)
Launched: 1974-75
Renamed: 2004 as CAD&WM
Brought under PMKSY – Har Khet Ko Pani in 2015-16
Objective: Maximise utilisation of created irrigation potential and improve agricultural productivity
Two Components of CAD&WM:
Structural Interventions:
- On-Farm Development (OFD)
- Construction of field, intermediate, and link drains
Non-Structural Interventions:
- One-time functional grant to Water Users’ Associations (WUAs)
- Training and awareness programs on WUE