Cabinet Approves Scheme to Modernise Farm Irrigation Systems
WATER & WASTE

Cabinet Approves Scheme to Modernise Farm Irrigation Systems

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.

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.

Next Story
Real Estate

Indian Real Estate Sector Sees Highest Capital Inflow in Seven Years

Equirus Capital, a leading full-service investment banking firm, has reported that India’s real estate sector has witnessed its highest capital inflow in seven years, with funds raised reaching ₹23,080 crore across 12 deals.According to Equirus Capital’s analysis, the cumulative capital raised by the sector since FY18 stands at ₹72,331 crore. Of this, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) accounted for the largest share at ₹31,241 crore, followed by large-cap real estate companies at ₹20,437 crore, mid-cap players at ₹12,496 crore, and small-cap firms contributing ₹8,156 crore...

Next Story
Real Estate

India’s Flex Office Market Set for Record Growth

myHQ by ANAROCK, India’s largest workspace discovery and flexible office solutions platform, has released its Flex Office Market in India 2025 Report, revealing that India is set to become the Asia-Pacific region’s largest flexible office market. The report highlights how flexible workspaces have become a mainstream component of India’s commercial real estate, capturing a growing share of national leasing activity.“Flexible workspaces have evolved from a cost-optimisation tool to a strategic necessity,” said Utkarsh Kawatra, CEO and Co-Founder, myHQ by ANAROCK. “Average corporate d..

Next Story
Real Estate

India Defies Regional Slowdown; Office Leasing on Track for Record High in 2025

India’s office market continues to outperform the broader Asia-Pacific region, emerging as a key growth driver amid regional headwinds, according to Knight Frank’s Asia-Pacific Office Highlights Q3 2025 report. With 8.8 million sq. ft. transacted in the third quarter alone, leasing momentum remains robust. Full-year volumes across Bengaluru, NCR, and Mumbai are projected to reach 50 million sq. ft., surpassing the previous record of 41 million sq. ft. set in 2024.The surge has been fuelled by sustained leasing from Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and renewed activity from third-party IT s..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?