The Union Cabinet has approved the Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) scheme as a sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). With a budget of Rs 1.6 billion, the initiative will be implemented from 2025-26 and aims to improve irrigation infrastructure across India.

The main goal is to modernise irrigation networks so that water from canals and other sources reaches farming clusters more efficiently. According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, this will especially help small landholding farmers by improving water-use efficiency through smart technologies like SCADA and IoT. These systems will enable better water accounting and farm-level management.

One of the scheme’s key features is the rollout of underground pressurised piped irrigation systems, which will cover up to one hectare per farm. This is expected to strengthen micro-irrigation and boost productivity.

The scheme also promotes sustainable farming by transferring irrigation management responsibilities to Water User Societies (WUS). These societies will be supported for five years and connected with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) or Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) to ensure long-term success.

The Ministry added that the scheme will also encourage youth participation in agriculture by promoting the use of modern irrigation technologies and creating new opportunities in the sector.