UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10th April 2025
Cabinet approves irrigation scheme for ‘modernising’ water management
Why in News?
The Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) scheme, approved in April 2024 under PMKSY.
Introduction
- Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) scheme as a sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
- With an initial outlay of ₹1,600 crore, the scheme will be implemented from 2025–26 and aims to transform irrigation infrastructure across India.
Objectives and Scope
- The primary objective of the M-CADWM scheme is to modernise and strengthen the irrigation water supply networks, ensuring that water from canals and other sources reaches farm clusters efficiently.
- The scheme is tailored to benefit small and marginal farmers by improving Water Use Efficiency (WUE) through the integration of advanced technologies.
Key Features
- Use of Modern Technologies:
- The scheme will adopt SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems and Internet of Things (IoT)-based solutions.
- These tools will enhance water accounting and real-time monitoring, thereby contributing to precise and efficient water management at the farm level.
- Pressurised Piped Irrigation System:
- A significant component is the development of underground, pressurised, piped irrigation systems.
- These systems will extend water supply up to 1 hectare per farm, thereby facilitating micro-irrigation practices.
- This approach is expected to lead to improved agricultural productivity and resource conservation.
- Sustainable Irrigation Management:
- The scheme promotes the Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) model by handing over irrigation asset management to Water User Societies (WUS).
- These societies will be provided with support for five years, helping them link with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS).
- This is intended to ensure the long-term sustainability of irrigation systems and water usage.
- Youth Engagement in Agriculture:
- The adoption of modern irrigation techniques under M-CADWM aims to make agriculture more attractive to youth.
- It is expected to create employment opportunities, boost youth participation, and enhance overall agricultural innovation.
Significance
- The scheme aligns with the overarching goals of PMKSY, which seeks to promote “Har Khet Ko Pani” and improve irrigation efficiency.
- By modernising water delivery systems and encouraging community participation, M-CADWM is expected to:
- Improve water availability at the root level.
- Reduce water losses.
- Encourage judicious use of water resources.
- Contribute to the climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Conclusion
- The M-CADWM sub-scheme represents a crucial step towards modern, sustainable, and inclusive agricultural irrigation in India.
- By combining technology, community participation, and infrastructure development, it is poised to play a key role in achieving water security and enhanced agricultural productivity across the country.

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