The Ministry of Jal Shakti has been actively providing technical and financial assistance to water resources projects under various schemes, aiming to enhance irrigation and water management across the country. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), launched in 2015-16, stands as a pivotal initiative in this endeavor, focusing on improving access to water for agriculture, enhancing irrigation efficiency, and promoting sustainable water conservation practices.
PMKSY Components and Objectives:
PMKSY comprises 2 major components: the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP), aimed at expanding irrigable land and enhancing water usage efficiency. Under HKKP, four sub-components address various aspects of water management, including command area development, surface minor irrigation, repair and restoration of water bodies, and groundwater development.
Continued Progress and New Directions:
The recent approval of PMKSY for 2021-26 reflects the government’s commitment to bolstering irrigation infrastructure and water management initiatives. With a provision of Rs 93,068 crore, the scheme aims to benefit millions of farmers across the country, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Key Highlights of the Approved Plan:
– Central assistance of Rs 37,454 crore allocated to states.
– Focus on completing ongoing projects and initiating new ones.
– Provision for 90% central funding for national projects like Renukaji and Lakhwar.
– Emphasis on expanding irrigation coverage and water source rejuvenation under HKKP.
– Allocation for watershed development to enhance rainfed agriculture.
Micro Irrigation and Water Conservation:
The Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) component, now under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), focuses on improving water use efficiency through micro-irrigation techniques. Financial assistance and incentives are provided to encourage farmers to adopt drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, thereby conserving water and increasing crop productivity.
Evaluation and Future Directions:
Evaluation studies have highlighted the relevance of micro-irrigation in achieving national priorities such as water use efficiency and increased crop productivity. With ongoing efforts and substantial funding, PMKSY continues to play a pivotal role in transforming India’s agricultural landscape and ensuring sustainable water resource management.
As India progresses towards sustainable agricultural practices and water management, schemes like PMKSY play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of water scarcity and enhancing agricultural productivity. The government’s renewed focus on irrigation infrastructure and water conservation underscores its commitment to empowering farmers and ensuring food security in the country.
