Dang, Aug 8 (NationPress) The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is emerging as a transformative initiative for farmers in Gujarat's Dang district, evolving previously rain-dependent farming into a sustainable, year-round income source.

Nareshbhai, a farmer from Umbarpada in Kasadbari village, recounted how this program has revolutionized his family’s agricultural journey.

In an interview with IANS, Nareshbhai expressed, "Our family consists of five members, and this initiative was registered in my mother Bharjuben Kakadiyabhai’s name. Before this scheme, our farming was entirely reliant on seasonal rainfall. Drought conditions frequently hindered our ability to plant crops. However, with this program, we now enjoy guaranteed irrigation, allowing us to farm throughout the year."

Nareshbhai remembered that officials disclosed the PMKSY's benefits during a government survey, leading to their timely assistance.

"Without this scheme, we would have continued to endure significant hardships. Farming without adequate water is nearly impossible here. Now, thanks to the Prime Minister’s initiative, we can cultivate crops and enhance our livelihoods," he further stated.

Gratefully acknowledging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts, Nareshbhai said, "I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Prime Minister for introducing such a beneficial scheme for farmers. It has significantly simplified and secured our lives."

Initiated in 2015-16, the PMKSY aims to guarantee physical water access for every farm, increase cultivable areas with assured irrigation, enhance water-use efficiency, and advocate sustainable water conservation practices. This program functions as an umbrella scheme comprising two primary components executed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti: the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and the Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP).

The HKKP segment is divided into four sub-components: Command Area Development & Water Management (CAD&WM), Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI), Repair, Renovation, and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies, and Ground Water Development. Furthermore, the PMKSY includes a Watershed Development (WD) component under the Department of Land Resources.

From 2015 to 2022, the “Per Drop More Crop” (PDMC) component aimed at improving water-use efficiency at the farm level, was also part of the PMKSY and was implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DoA&FW). Since 2021, PDMC has been executed as a standalone scheme.

In December 2021, the Central government approved the continuation of PMKSY for the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26. Additionally, the Ground Water component under PMKSY-HKKP received provisional approval for 2021-22 and was subsequently extended until the completion of ongoing projects and liabilities.

Aside from PMKSY, the Ministry also offers financial support for the development and stabilization of irrigation capabilities under the National Project Scheme and through various special initiatives.