In a significant step towards enhancing water use efficiency in agriculture, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister 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 2025–26. The scheme has received an initial outlay of Rs 16 billion.

The M-CADWM aims to modernize irrigation infrastructure by facilitating pressurized underground piped irrigation systems from existing canals or other sources directly to farms up to 1 hectare. This upgrade will serve as a backend support system for farmers using micro-irrigation methods.

To promote efficiency, the scheme will incorporate SCADA systems and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for real-time water accounting and management, aiming to significantly improve Water Use Efficiency (WUE) at the field level. By doing so, the initiative is expected to lead to higher agricultural productivity and increased farmer incomes.

Sustainability is a key pillar of the scheme. Irrigation assets developed under M-CADWM will be handed over to Water User Societies (WUS) through Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT). These societies will be supported for five years and linked to economic entities such as Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) or Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to ensure long-term viability.

Additionally, the scheme is designed to attract youth to agriculture by integrating modern irrigation practices and technologies.

The government plans to implement the scheme through pilot projects across different agro-climatic zones, selected through challenge funding to states. Based on outcomes and learnings from these pilots, a National Plan for Command Area Development and Water Management will be rolled out from April 2026, aligning with the 16th Finance Commission period.

This modernization effort underlines India’s continued focus on sustainable water resource management and technological integration in agriculture.