Cabinet Clears Rs 16 Billion Irrigation Upgrade Scheme
WATER & WASTE

Cabinet Clears Rs 16 Billion Irrigation Upgrade Scheme

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.

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.

Next Story
Products

TOTO India Launches Premium G & L Showers with Sleek Faucet Range

TOTO India has launched its G Shower and L Shower series, alongside an expanded range of GT, LH, and Pull-Out lavatory faucets. The collection blends advanced technology, refined aesthetics, and everyday comfort, staying true to TOTO’s philosophy of creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The G Shower series delivers the 3Rs of showering: Relaxing, Refreshing, and Revitalizing. Features include the Calming Shawl spray mode, Warm Spa technology, and multiple overhead and hand-shower options across eight finishes. The L Shower complements this with easy-to-use controls sui..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Hero Future Energies Secures Funding for 120 MW Hybrid Project

Hero Future Energies (HFE), through its SPV Clean Renewable Energy Hybrid Three, has secured Rs 19.08 billion in funding from the State Bank of India (lead) and Canara Bank. The funds will be used to develop and construct HFE’s 120 MW renewable energy hybrid project at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The project, contracted with SJVN, integrates wind, solar, and storage technologies to deliver reliable peak power. With a 21-year repayment period, the funding ensures timely execution and the commencement of commercial operations. The financial closure demonstrates continued lender confidence in..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

IOC GPS Renewables Raises Rs 8.36 billion Debt for Compressed Biogas Plants

IOC GPS Renewables Private Limited (IGRPL), a joint venture between IndianOil Corporation  and GPS Renewables, has raised Rs 8.36 billion (approx. US$ 95 million) in debt financing from Indian Bank to execute nine Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects across India.   The funding is the largest single-bank debt raise in the CBG sector and the first fully non-recourse financing in India for these projects. The plants—four in Haryana, three in Uttar Pradesh, one each in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh—will each produce 15 tonnes of CBG per day using paddy straw as feedstock. All nin..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?