Wed Apr 09 11:15:43 UTC 2025: ## Cabinet Approves ₹1,600 Crore Irrigation Modernization Scheme

**New Delhi, April 9, 2025** – The Union Cabinet today approved a new ₹1,600 crore scheme aimed at modernizing India’s irrigation infrastructure. The Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) sub-scheme, falling under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), will focus on improving water delivery from existing canal systems and other sources.

The initiative will prioritize building robust infrastructure for micro-irrigation, providing farmers with underground pressurized piped irrigation systems covering up to one hectare of land. Sustainability is key, with the scheme mandating the transfer of irrigation asset management to Water User Societies (WUS) through Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT). These societies will receive five years of support to integrate with existing economic entities like Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) or Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).

The government aims to attract young people to farming by promoting modern irrigation techniques. Initially, pilot projects will be launched across various agro-climatic zones using challenge funding for states. A national plan for command area development and water management, based on learnings from these pilots, will be rolled out in April 2026, coinciding with the 16th Finance Commission period. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval during a Cabinet Briefing.

Read More