The Ministry of Jal Shakti remains committed to enhancing irrigation and water management across India through its flagship initiative, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). Launched in 2015-16, PMKSY aims to improve agricultural water access, enhance irrigation efficiency, and promote sustainable water conservation practices.
PMKSY Components and Objectives
Under PMKSY, two major components drive its objectives: the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP). These components focus on expanding irrigable land and improving water usage efficiency. HKKP includes sub-components addressing command area development, surface minor irrigation, repair of water bodies, and groundwater development.
Recently approved for 2021-26 with an allocation of Rs 93,068 crore, PMKSY underscores the government’s dedication to bolstering irrigation infrastructure. The scheme aims to benefit millions of farmers, particularly those from marginalized communities, with Rs 37,454 crore allocated as central assistance to states. It prioritizes completing ongoing projects and initiating new ones, including national projects like Renukaji and Lakhwar receiving 90% central funding.
Micro Irrigation and Water Conservation
Micro-irrigation plays a pivotal role through the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) initiative under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). This component promotes water use efficiency with incentives for adopting drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, thus conserving water and increasing crop productivity.
Evaluation studies highlight micro-irrigation’s role in enhancing water use efficiency and crop productivity. PMKSY continues to lead India’s agricultural transformation by addressing water scarcity challenges and ensuring sustainable water resource management. As the nation progresses towards sustainable agricultural practices, PMKSY remains central to empowering farmers and securing food security.
In essence, PMKSY stands as a cornerstone in India’s agricultural landscape, driving towards comprehensive irrigation and water management solutions for sustainable agricultural growth.
