The Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) scheme has been approved by the Cabinet on 09.04.2025. The State Government Departments are currently in the process of sending proposals under M-CADWM. The inclusion of projects under the scheme will be finalized subject to their viability and availability of State budgetary support.

Approximately 75,000 hectares of farmland area is planned to be covered through underground piped irrigation under the pilot projects of the scheme.

The total outlay of the scheme is ₹1600 crore including Central Outlay of ₹1100 crore for the period upto March 2026. No funds have been released so far under the M-CADWM scheme.

No quantified estimates on the increase in farmers’ income under the M-CADWM scheme are available. The scheme aims to provide assured or protective irrigation, promote efficient water use, and encourage participatory governance through Water User Societies (WUS). It is anticipated that approximately 80,000 farmers will benefit directly, and indirect beneficiaries will be around 4 lakh. The Standard Operating Procedures (SoP)-B3 of the scheme (copy placed as Annexure-I) details the likely benefit to the farmers from this scheme.

 

SoPB3

MCAD benefits to the Farmers

Ver5.25

 

1. MCAD will bring benefit sat individual level:

 

1. 1. Enhanced Crop Production: With clubbing of the water sources, PPIN may ensure year-round cultivation, which will increase crop yields and surplus for sale.

   2. Diversification of Crops: Farmers can grow different crops, including high-value ones, boosting income diversity.

   3. Employment Creation: Setting up and managing PIN systems will facilities generate local job opportunities.

   4. SteadierIncome: Stabilized PPIN will ensure consistent crop yields, stabilizing

farmers’ earnings.

1. 5. Improved Market Access: Better training and confidence building with marketing facilities will enable farmers to sell their produce at competitive prices, increasing income.

   6. Value Addition: Farmers may engage in processing or packaging, adding value to their produce for higher returns.

   7. Local Economic Growth: Increased farmer income stimulates spending in local communities, generating more business and employment for associated accessories like mini tractors, drones, Agri robots etc.

   8. Energy Saving: With PPIN, the need for putting diesel pump/ electric pump to draw waterfromcanalorGWwillcease.TheOverallsavingsintheenergybilloftheFarmer.

   9. MCAD provides for exposure visit of the Farmers to successful clusters/ areas and continualconfidencebuildupbyhandholdingfor5yearsaftertheerectionofthePPIN system in the cluster.

   10. The saturation of Cluster with all the Govt. schemes, or with CSR initiatives will bring additional benefits to the Farmer.

11. Farmer Centric: All grievances of the farmer will be dealt by the Water User Society

 

2. MCAD will bring benefit sat Community Level with Water Users Society (WUS)

   1. MCAD will lead to the sense of ownership and leadership by the farmers through WUS in themselves. With better awareness and empowerment, the WUS will be betterequippedtoreapthebenefitsofgovernmentwelfareschemesandbeableto create a new business environment to take up lucrative economic activities along with employment generation in the rural IT sector.

   2. Collective Decision-Making: WUS allow farmers to actively participate in the planning, operation, and maintenance of irrigation in frastructure , ensuring that their needs and concerns are addressed.

 

1. 3. Water Allocation and Distribution: WUS are responsible for the fair allocation and distribution of water among the participating farmers. They establish rules and regulations to ensure equitable access to water resources, considering factors such as crop water requirements, seasonality, and the size of landholdings.

   4. Operation and Maintenance: WUS take charge of the operation and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure, such as canals, pipes, and pumping stations. They organize regular maintenance activities, monitor water flow, and address any issues or repairs required, ensuring the efficient functioning of the irrigation system.

   5. Conflict Resolution: WUS act as mediators in resolving conflicts or disputes among water users. They provide a platform for dialogue and negotiation, helping to address disagreements related to water allocation, scheduling, or infrastructure usage. This fosters cooperation and harmony among farmers, reducing conflicts and promoting sustainable water management.

   6. Capacity Building: WUS facilitate capacity building among their members by providing training and technical assistance. Farmers receive guidance on water- efficient farming practices, crop selection, irrigation scheduling, and water-saving techniques. This empowers farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to optimize water use and improve agricultural productivity.

   7. Financial Management: WUS manage the financial aspects of the irrigation project, including the collection of water charges or fees from the participating farmers. They ensure transparency and accountability in financial transactions, maintaining records and utilizing funds for operation, maintenance, and future development of theirrigationsystem.TheywillbeencouragedtolinkwithexistingFPO/FPC/PACS

   8. Collaboration with Stakeholders: WUS serve as intermediaries between water users and various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions. They represent the interests of farmers, advocate for their needs, and collaborate with external organizations to access resources, technical expertise, and funding for the development of irrigation projects

   9. MCADprovidesforone-timematchinggrantofRs.50LakhstotheWUS to start of the Economic Activities. The Performance Linked Incentives have also been provisioned for WUS.

 

1. 10. MCAD provides for creating infrastructure for WUS office cum training building which can be a permanent ground for organizing local exhibitions, technical workshops in association with the Agricultural Universities.

 

1. 11. Under MCAD Automation of PPIN with established technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) to increase Water Governance and to achieve On Farm Water Use Efficiency WUE up to 90%.

   12. Under MCAD steps will be taken for social up liftmen towards free market regime. WUS will be roped into the project construction from the start, do social monitoring of the Project and ultimately lead to owning the Irrigation Assets through Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT).

   13. Under MCAD the Irrigation Departments’ focus will be on quality of water delivery Service. Now the O&M collection will be on Volumetric basis at the inlet to cluster. The Water Fee Collection from the WUS will be easier, corruption free and efficient.

   14. MCAD will provide the new paradigm shift in the State Government thinking about source of water as one water approach will link up GW/SW/Reused Water and integrate many departments like Agriculture, Horticulture, CAD, Water Resources at Cluster Level.

   15. MCAD may boost in rural economy with demand for other accessories. With WUS as Economic Entities, overall Start up boost for irrigation/Agri sector, local jobs, rural economy booster is expected.

   16. Under MCAD WUS can explore in future: private finance through Public Private Partnership (PPP) / Public Private People Partnership (4P) in the cluster.

 

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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MAM/SMP

(Rajya Sabha US Q872)

(Release ID: 2149303)