Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna

• 17 Dec 2021

For Prelims: Schemes Related to Agriculture, Central Sector Scheme, Precision Irrigation System, Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, Har Khet ko Pani, Precision Irrigation

For Mains: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sinchai Yojana, its Objectives and Significance

Why in News

Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (PMKSY) till 2026, with an outlay of Rs 93,068 crore.

• The government also approved the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Har Khet ko Pani (HKKP), and watershed development components of the PMKSY for four years to 2025-26.

Key Points

• About:
  • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (Core Scheme) launched in 2015. Centre- States will be 75:25 per cent. In the case of the north-eastern region and hilly states, it will be 90:10.
    • It will benefit about 22 lakh farmers, including 2.5 lakh scheduled caste and two lakh scheduled tribe farmers.
  • In 2020, the Ministry of Jal Shakti launched a mobile application for Geo-Tagging of the components of projects under PMKSY.
  • It has three main components namely the AIBP, HKKP and Watershed Development.
    • AIBP was launched in 1996 with the aim of accelerating the implementation of irrigation projects that exceed the resource capabilities of states.
    • HKKP aims to create new water sources through Minor Irrigation. Repair, restoration and renovation of water bodies, strengthening carrying capacity of traditional water sources, construction rain water harvesting structures.
      • It has sub components: Command Area Development (CAD), Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI), Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies, Ground Water Development.
    • Watershed Development is the effective management of runoff water and improved soil & moisture conservation activities such as ridge area treatment, drainage line 5 treatment, rain water harvesting, in - situ moisture conservation and other allied activities o n watershed basis.
• Objectives:
  • Convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level.
  • To expand the cultivable area under assured irrigation (Har Khet ko pani).
  • To improve on-farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage of water.
  • To enhance the adoption of precision-irrigation and other water saving technologies (More crop per drop).
  • To enhance recharge of aquifers and introduce sustainable water conservation practices by exploring the feasibility of reusing treated municipal based water for peri-urban agriculture and attract greater private investment in a precision irrigation system.
    • An aquifer is a body of porous rock or sediment saturated with groundwater. Groundwater enters an aquifer as precipitation seeps through the soil. It can move through the aquifer and resurface through springs and wells.
    • Peri-urban agriculture refers to farm units close to town which operate intensive semi- or fully commercial farms to grow vegetables and other horticulture, raise chickens and other livestock, and produce milk and eggs.
    • Precision Irrigation is an innovative technique that uses water wisely and helps farmers achieve higher levels of crop yield in a minimal amount of water
• Formulation: It was formulated by amalgamating following schemes:
  • Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) - Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (now Ministry of Jal Shakti).
  • Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) - Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development.
  • On-Farm Water Management (OFWM) - Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC).
• Implementation: Decentralized implementation through State Irrigation Plan and District Irrigation Plan.

Source: IE