Origin
The Scheme was launched by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture in January, 2006 as Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Micro Irrigation (CSS). In June, 2010, it was up-scaled to National Mission on Micro Irrigation (NMMI), which continued till the year 2013-14.
About
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) is a government scheme introduced by the Government of India in 2015, primarily aimed at enhancing irrigation infrastructure in the country to ensure better water use efficiency and increased agricultural productivity.
- The scheme is designed to provide irrigation coverage to every farm and enhance water use efficiency through a combination of modernization and better water management techniques.
Objectives of PMKSY
- To expand the coverage of irrigation to all agricultural farms and ensure adequate water supply throughout the year.
- Enhance water use efficiency through modern irrigation systems, and improve the agricultural productivity of rain-fed and drought-prone areas.
- Convergence of various water resources management programs to maximize the usage and benefit of existing resources.
- Increase agricultural productivity and ensure sustainable livelihoods for farmers.
- To reduce dependency on rainfall and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on farming.
- Ensure water-use efficiency and facilitate better management of available water resources.
Components of PMKSY
- Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP):
- Aims to speed up the completion of irrigation projects that have been pending for years, ensuring quicker water availability to farmers.
- Includes projects such as the creation of irrigation infrastructure like canals, water harvesting tanks, etc.
- Har Khet Ko Pani:
- Ensures the availability of water to every farm by setting up micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler irrigation.
- The goal is to increase efficiency in water usage and minimize water wastage.
- Per Drop More Crop:
- Focuses on promoting water-saving irrigation techniques and encouraging farmers to adopt micro-irrigation systems to increase crop yield per unit of water.
- It supports subsidies for the installation of drip irrigation systems, sprinklers, and other modern irrigation technologies.
- Watershed Management:
- Focuses on rainwater harvesting, improving soil moisture, and water conservation techniques in drought-prone and rain-fed areas.
- Aims to ensure sustainable agricultural development through the integrated management of land and water resources.
- Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM):
- Works to improve water-use efficiency in areas where water resources are already available by modernizing the irrigation system.
- Ensures better water distribution and management within irrigation commands.
- National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA):
- Ensures the efficient use of available water resources for irrigation by adopting sustainable agricultural practices that focus on water conservation and efficient usage.
Financial Assistance & Subsidies
PMKSY offers financial assistance and subsidies to farmers, state governments, and local bodies for installing irrigation systems, constructing water storage structures, and implementing watershed management projects. These include:
- Subsidies for the installation of micro-irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler systems).
- Funding for irrigation infrastructure projects such as minor irrigation works and irrigation schemes in remote and underdeveloped areas.
- Financial support for water harvesting and conservation methods.
Implementation Mechanism
- State Government Role:
- The scheme is implemented at the state level under the leadership of the State Government. The states are required to form plans, implement projects, and ensure proper distribution of benefits.
- Funding Pattern:
- PMKSY is funded jointly by the central and state governments. The funding distribution varies depending on the scheme components and the category of the state (General category or Special category states).
- Technology Use:
- The scheme encourages the adoption of new technologies like remote sensing, GIS, and ICT tools for better monitoring and management of irrigation systems and water resources.
- Convergence Approach:
- PMKSY emphasizes the integration of various schemes and projects such as the National Agriculture Development Scheme, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, and more, to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
Benefits of PMKSY
- Increased Irrigation Coverage:
- It ensures irrigation coverage for every farm, benefiting millions of farmers across the country.
- Water Conservation:
- Through advanced irrigation techniques, PMKSY helps conserve water and improves water efficiency.
- Boost to Agricultural Productivity:
- Improved irrigation systems lead to enhanced agricultural output, ensuring higher productivity and better crop yields.
- Reduction in Dependence on Monsoons:
- By providing water to farms throughout the year, PMKSY reduces dependence on seasonal rainfall.
- Improved Farmers’ Income:
- By increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring stable crop yields, PMKSY helps improve the income of farmers.
- Drought Resilience:
- PMKSY helps make farming more resilient to climatic fluctuations, especially in drought-prone regions, through improved irrigation infrastructure and water management.
Challenges
- Implementation Delays:
- Due to the large scale of the program and regional issues, some projects face delays, affecting the timely delivery of benefits.
- Financial Constraints:
- Despite the large budget allocation, some states face difficulties in providing matching funds for state-funded components of the scheme.
- Technological Gaps:
- Some regions face challenges in adopting new irrigation technologies due to financial constraints and a lack of technical knowledge.
Conclusion
- The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana is a significant step toward improving the agricultural landscape in India, ensuring efficient use of water resources and increasing the productivity of Indian agriculture.
- With its focus on modern irrigation techniques, water conservation, and infrastructure development, it aims to bring long-term benefits to farmers, especially in water-scarce and drought-prone areas.
- While challenges in implementation remain, the scheme has the potential to transform India’s agricultural sector into a more sustainable, productive, and resilient one.
