Government Approves Rs 1,600 Cr Modernisation of Irrigation Network for FY26
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Synopsis
The Indian government has approved a significant investment of Rs 1,600 crore in FY26 for the modernisation of irrigation water supply networks as part of the PMKSY scheme. This initiative aims to enhance water management and support sustainable farming practices.
Key Takeaways
- Approval of Rs 1,600 crore for irrigation network modernisation.
- Irrigation Management Transfer to Water User Societies.
- Support for Farmers Producer Organisations.
- Introduction of modern irrigation techniques.
- Use of IoT technology for enhanced water management.
New Delhi, April 9 (NationPress) The government has granted approval for the modernisation of command area development and water management (M-CADWM) as a sub-scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) with a preliminary budget of Rs 1,600 crore for FY26.
The project is designed to ensure sustainability through Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) to the Water User Society (WUS) for managing irrigation assets, as stated by the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The water user societies will receive ongoing support to connect with existing economic entities such as Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs) or Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) over five years.
This initiative aims to engage youth in agriculture by promoting modern irrigation techniques.
The primary goal is to modernise the irrigation water supply system to facilitate the distribution of water from existing canals or other sources within a defined cluster.
As per a Cabinet statement, the plan will establish strong backend infrastructure for micro-irrigation, allowing farmers to utilize underground pressurised piped irrigation from a verified source up to 1 hectare.
Utilization of SCADA and Internet of Things technology will enhance water accounting and management. This is expected to boost Water Use Efficiency (WUE) at the farm level, thereby increasing agricultural output and farmers' income.
The Cabinet indicated that the initial approval will facilitate pilot projects across diverse agro-climatic zones in the nation through challenge funding directed to the states.
Insights gained from the design and structuring of these projects will inform the launch of the National Plan for Command Area Development and Water Management starting in April 2026 for the 16th Finance Commission period.
Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) sanctioned the integration of the Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project in Bihar under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (PMKSY-AIBP). The CCEA also approved a central funding of Rs 3,652.56 crore for Bihar to complete the project by March 2029, at a projected cost of Rs 6,282.32 crore.
