On April 9, 2025, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) scheme to enhance agricultural productivity and promote efficient water management.
This newly launched sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is set to be implemented during 2025-2026 with an initial outlay of Rs. 1600 crore.
The primary objective of M-CADWM is to modernize the irrigation water supply network by upgrading existing canal systems and other sources of irrigation. It aims to ensure reliable and pressurized underground piped irrigation up to 1 hectare of farmland, directly linking water sources to farm gates.
Advanced technologies like SCADA systems and the Internet of Things (IoT) will be employed for real-time water accounting and management, thereby improving Water Use Efficiency (WUE) at the grassroots level.
The scheme also lays emphasis on sustainability through Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT), empowering Water User Societies (WUS) to take charge of irrigation assets.
These societies will receive five years of handholding support and will be encouraged to collaborate with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to enhance their operational capabilities.
Initially, pilot projects will be implemented across different agro-climatic zones using a challenge fund-based model. This approach will enable states to develop and apply tailored solutions.
The insights obtained from these pilot projects will shape the National Plan for Command Area Development and Water Management, which is scheduled to be launched in April 2026 during the 16th Finance Commission period.
The government hopes this scheme will not only increase farm productivity and incomes but also attract youth towards modern farming practices.
