Agriculture
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
- 19 Jul 2018
- 3 min read
The centre has agreed to fund 25% of the Rs. 15,325 crore irrigation projects planned for Maharashtra under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
- This decision is significant for two reasons:
- Only 18% of Maharashtra’s complete cultivable land is irrigated whereas the national average is over 35%.
- The irrigation projects are being undertaken in 14 suicide-hit and 8 drought-prone areas in Maharashtra and therefore would help reduce the distress among the farmers.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee
- PMKSY 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.
- Its objectives are:
- 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.
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.
To ensure a comprehensive and holistic view of the entire "water cycle" and proper water budgeting is done for all sectors namely, household, agriculture and industries.
- It is formulated by amalgamating ongoing schemes:
- Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) -Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation.
- 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 - Decentralised implementation through State Irrigation Plan and District Irrigation Plan.
