Cabinet Approves Scheme to Modernise Farm Irrigation Systems

10 Apr 2025 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..