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.