Highlights of the scheme
- PMKSY aims at a ‘decentralized State level planning and execution’ structure, in order to allow States to draw up a District Irrigation Plan (DIP) and a State Irrigation Plan (SIP).
- PMKSY has the following programme components:
- Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP)
To focus on faster completion of ongoing Major and Medium Irrigation including National Projects.
- PMKSY (Har Khet ko Pani)
Creation of new water sources through Minor Irrigation (both surface and ground water)
Command area development, strengthening and creation of distribution network from source to the farm.
- PMKSY (Per Drop More Crop)
Promoting efficient water conveyance and precision water application devices like drips, sprinklers, pivots, rain – guns in the farm (Jal Sinchan)
Water lifting devices like diesel/ electric/ solar pumpsets including water carriage pipes, underground piping system.
Extension activities for promotion of scientific moisture conservation and agronomic measures
- PMKSY (Watershed Development)
Effective management of runoff water and improved soil & moisture conservation activities such as ridge area treatment, drainage line treatment, rain water harvesting, in – situ moisture conservation and other allied activities on watershed basis.
Converging with MGNREGS for creation of water source to full potential in identified backward rainfed blocks including renovation of traditional water bodies
Funding pattern
- PMKSY funds would be given to states as 75 per cent grant by the central government and the remaining 25 per cent share is to be borne by the state government. But, for the north-eastern region and hilly states, the funding pattern would be 90:10.
Agencies involved
- The programme will be supervised and monitored at the national level by an Inter-Ministerial National Steering Committee (NSC) under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister with Union Ministers of all concerned Ministries. A National Executive Committee (NEC) is to be constituted under the Chairmanship of the Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog to oversee programme implementation.
- At the state level the scheme is to be administered by a State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) to be chaired by the Chief Secretary of the respective States.
Challenges
- Surface irrigation systems are not strong enough to counter ecological obstacles
- Groundwater reserves are severely strained and lack of subsidised power
- Capital intensive technology to elite farmers has created informal water markets and this has destroyed the Indian irrigation system
