The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval to the Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) on April 9, 2025. It is a sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). With an initial allocation of Rs 1,600 crore, the scheme is set to be implemented for the period 2025–26 and is intended to significantly enhance India’s irrigation infrastructure.
It will be launched as a pilot project at 78 locations, aiming to benefit approximately 80,000 farmers. It will use underground pressurised pipes to link irrigation sources directly to farms, providing last-mile water connectivity.
About CADWM Programme
The primary goal of the CADWM programme is to increase the effective use of existing irrigation infrastructure and boost agricultural productivity and output in a sustainable manner. This is achieved through a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving experts from various disciplines.
Originally launched in 1974–75, the programme was later restructured and renamed in 2004 as the Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) Programme. During the Eleventh Five Year Plan (2008–09 to 2011–12), the scheme operated as a State Sector initiative. In the Twelfth Five Year Plan period, it was implemented alongside the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP). Since 2015–16, the programme has been implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)–Har Khet Ko Pani. From 2016-17 onwards, the CADWM Programme has been limited to 99 prioritised projects under the AIBP.
What is PMKSY?
The PMKSY was launched in 2015 to enhance irrigation coverage and improve on-farm water use efficiency. It is a centrally sponsored scheme with a funding pattern of 75 : 25 between the Centre and states, and 90 : 10 for North-Eastern and hilly states.
The PMKSY was formulated by integrating three existing schemes to ensure a unified approach to irrigation:
- AIBP from the Ministry of Jal Shakti,
- Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) from the Ministry of Rural development, and
- On-Farm Water Management (OFWM) from the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation.
Components of CADWM Programme
The CADWM programme supports the completion of CAD works under prioritised AIBP projects through two main components:
Structural interventions These include on-farm development (OFD) works like building field channels, land levelling and constructing drainage systems; fixing deficiencies in irrigation systems; and reclaiming waterlogged land.
Non-structural interventions These focus on strengthening participatory irrigation management (PIM) through one time functional grants to waster users’ associations (WUAs), one time infrastructure grant to the registered WUAs and training activities to improve water use efficiency and sustainable farming practices.
A crucial component of the programme is the construction of field channels to ensure water reaches individual fields directly. To enhance water efficiency, at least 10 per cent of irrigated areas must adopt micro-irrigation (sprinkler/drip systems), with infrastructure supported under the programme and system costs covered by farmers with assistance from agricultural welfare schemes.
Key Features of M-CADWM
The scheme aims to modernise the irrigation system by delivering water from existing canals or other sources to specific farming areas. It will build strong infrastructure to help farmers use micro-irrigation systems on farms up to one hectare in size, using underground pressurised pipes.
Technologies like supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and the internet of things (IOTs) will help track and manage water use. This will improve how efficiently water is used on farms, boost crop production and help farmers earn more income.
Besides upgrading irrigation systems, the scheme also promotes sustainable farming. It introduces irrigation management transfer (IMT), allowing Water User Societies (WUS) to take charge of managing irrigation infrastructure.
These groups will receive support for five years to help them operate effectively and connecting them with existing economic entities like Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) or Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS). This approach aims to improve water management in a sustainable and profitable way.
The scheme also aims to make farming more attractive to young people by promoting the use of modern irrigation methods. This will create new opportunities for youth in agriculture, encouraging their involvement and helping to improve farming practices across the country.
The scheme has received initial approval to launch pilot projects in different agroclimatic zones across the country through a challenge funding approach to states. The insights gained from designing and implementing these pilots will help shape a larger initiative—the National Plan for CADWM—which is set to begin in April 2026 during the 16th Finance Commission period.
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