Centre okays modernisation of irrigation water supply network for Rs 1,600 cr in FY26

IANS April 9, 2025 275 views

The Indian government has approved a groundbreaking Rs 1,600 crore irrigation modernization scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. This innovative project will leverage advanced technologies like SCADA and Internet of Things to enhance water use efficiency and agricultural productivity. Water User Societies will receive support to integrate with existing agricultural organizations, making irrigation management more sustainable. The initiative aims to attract younger generations to farming by introducing modern, tech-driven agricultural practices.

"The use of SCADA and IoT technology will increase Water Use Efficiency" - Government Statement
Centre okays modernisation of irrigation water supply network for Rs 1,600 cr in FY26
New Delhi, April 9: The government on Wednesday okayed the modernisation of command area development and water management (M-CADWM) as a sub-scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) with an initial total outlay of Rs 1,600 crore in FY26.

Key Points

1

Modi-led Cabinet approves Rs 1,600 cr irrigation modernization scheme

2

Project aims to attract youth to farming through tech

3

Advanced water management using SCADA and IoT technologies

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Pilot projects to be launched across different agroclimatic zones

The projects will be made sustainable by Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) to the Water User Society (WUS) for management of irrigation assets, according to the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The water user societies will be given handholding support for linking them with existing economic entities like Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs) or a Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) for five years.

The youth will also be attracted to farming, to adopt the modern method of irrigation.

The scheme aims for modernisation of the irrigation water supply network to supply of irrigation water from existing canals or other sources in a designated cluster.

According to a Cabinet statement, it will make robust backend infrastructure for micro-irrigation by farmers from an established source to the farm gate up to 1 hectare with underground pressurised piped irrigation.

"The use of SCADA, Internet of Things technology will be used for water accounting and water management. This will increase the Water Use Efficiency (WUE) at the farm level, increase agriculture production & productivity; and thereby increase the income of farmers," the government said.

According to the Cabinet, the initial approval is for taking up pilot projects across various agroclimatic zones in the country by challenge funding to the states.

Based on the learnings in design and structuring of these projects, the National Plan for Command Area Development and Water Management will be launched starting from April 2026 for the 16th Finance Commission period, it added.

Late last month, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the inclusion of the Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project of Bihar under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (PMKSY-AIBP). The CCEA also approved Central support of Rs 3,652.56 crore to Bihar for completion of the project by March 2029, at an estimated cost of Rs 6,282.32 crore.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is a much-needed initiative! Our farmers in Punjab have been struggling with outdated irrigation systems. The SCADA and IoT integration sounds promising 👏 Hope the implementation is as good as the plan.
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Priya M.
₹1,600 crore seems like a good start, but will it be enough for nationwide implementation? Also concerned about maintenance costs after the 5-year handholding period ends. The tech sounds great though!
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Amit S.
My father is a farmer in Maharashtra. He's been saying for years we need better water management systems. Finally some action! Hope the benefits reach small farmers and not just big landowners.
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Sunita R.
Attracting youth to farming through modern irrigation is a smart move 💡 But will need proper training programs alongside the infrastructure. Technology alone won't solve the labor shortage.
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Vikram P.
While I appreciate the initiative, I'm concerned about the pilot project approach. We've seen many schemes fail during scaling up. Shouldn't we have a more comprehensive plan from the start?
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Neha T.
The Kosi Mechi project approval is great news for Bihar! Water management has been a huge challenge there. Hope this brings real change to farmers' lives 🌾 The ₹6,282 crore investment shows serious commitment.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Agriculture Modernization Irrigation Management Narendra Modi Water Management Farming Technology PMKSY
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