The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) as a sub-scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for 2025–2026. The initiative comes with an initial outlay of Rs 16 bn, targeting the efficient delivery and usage of irrigation water at the farm level.

Smarter Irrigation for Sustainable Agriculture The scheme will focus on upgrading existing canal-based or other irrigation sources to supply water via underground, pressurised piped networks to farms—up to one hectare in area. The backbone of the scheme includes SCADA systems and IoT technologies for real-time water accounting and management, aimed at significantly improving Water Use Efficiency (WUE), boosting agricultural output and increasing farmer incomes.

Empowering Water User Societies and Youth To ensure sustainability, irrigation asset management will be handed over to Water User Societies (WUS) under Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT). These societies will receive handholding support and be linked to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) or Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) for five years. The scheme also aims to draw youth towards modern, tech-enabled agriculture practices.

Pilot Projects Across Agro-Climatic Zones Initially, pilot projects will be implemented across different agro-climatic zones through a challenge funding model to states. Based on insights gathered, a National Plan for Command Area Development will be rolled out from April 2026, aligning with the 16th Finance Commission cycle.

This sub-scheme is a step forward in realising the PM’s vision of ‘Per Drop More Crop’, reinforcing water-efficient and income-enhancing agricultural practices across India.