Cabinet Approves ₹1,600 Cr M-CADWM Scheme to Boost Irrigation by 2026

The Union Cabinet approved the Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) scheme, with a total outlay of ₹1,600 crore, including a Central share of ₹1,100 crore, to be implemented by March 2026. State governments are currently preparing proposals for inclusion under the scheme, subject to project viability and budgetary support.

As part of the scheme, around 75,000 hectares of farmland will be covered through underground piped irrigation systems in pilot projects. While no funds have been released yet, the M-CADWM scheme aims to ensure efficient water use, provide assured irrigation, and promote participatory governance through Water User Societies (WUS).

The scheme is expected to directly benefit 80,000 farmers and indirectly impact over 4 lakh individuals. It focuses on boosting crop yields, enabling crop diversification, stabilizing income, and reducing energy costs by eliminating the need for diesel and electric pumps. Farmers will also benefit from improved market access, value addition opportunities, and enhanced local employment through infrastructure development and mechanization.

WUS will play a key role in water distribution, infrastructure maintenance, conflict resolution, and capacity building. A one-time matching grant of ₹50 lakh and performance-based incentives will support WUS activities, while office-cum-training centers will be developed for community engagement.

M-CADWM will integrate IoT-based automation to improve water governance and achieve up to 90% on-farm water use efficiency. The scheme promotes a unified approach by integrating groundwater, surface water, and treated water sources, involving departments like agriculture, horticulture, and water resources at the cluster level.

Ultimately, M-CADWM aims to transform rural irrigation practices, enhance agricultural productivity, and stimulate the rural economy through innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development.