Day 23 – Q. 1. How has the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana promoted the adoption of micro-irrigation in India? Examine its role in improving water-use efficiency in agriculture. (150 words, 10 marks)

Q. 1. How has the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana promoted the adoption of micro-irrigation in India? Examine its role in improving water-use efficiency in agriculture. (150 words, 10 marks)

Introduction 

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), launched in 2015, is a centrally sponsored scheme that promotes irrigation efficiency and coverage through convergence of resources under “Har Khet Ko Pani” and “More Crop Per Drop”. 

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Features of PMKSY 

1. Funding Pattern: Centre–State share of 75:25 (90:10 for NE and hill states).
2. Major Components: AIBP, Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP), and Watershed Development.
3. Amalgamated Approach: Consolidates AIBP, IWMP, and On-Farm Water Management.
4. Digital Monitoring: Mobile app launched in 2020 for geo-tagging of project components.
5. Farmer Inclusivity: Aims to benefit 22 lakh farmers, including SC and ST communities. 

Role in Promoting Micro-Irrigation 

1. Incentivising Adoption: PMKSY gives financial and technical help for drip and sprinkler  systems, which helped bring over 72 lakh hectares under micro-irrigation till 2023.
2.  Convergence of Resources: Micro-irrigation is supported through district-level planning linked to watershed projects under PMKSY. 
3. Enhancing Infrastructure: PMKSY builds ponds, repairs canals and water bodies that make  it easier for farmers to adopt micro-irrigation systems. 
4. Farmer Training and Awareness: PMKSY trains farmers in water-saving methods using  KVKs and on-field support, especially under the Command Area Development program.
5. Precision Technology Promotion: NABARD’s Micro Irrigation Fund under PMKSY  supports modern tools like sensors and timers for water-efficient farming. 

Role in Improving Water-Use Efficiency 

1. Reduced Water Wastage: Drip and sprinkler systems reduce runoff and water loss; in  Maharashtra, sugarcane farms saved up to 40% water. 
2. Enhanced Crop Yield: Efficient watering under micro-irrigation raised crop yields by 20– 25% in states like Karnataka. 
3. Groundwater Recharge: Structures like check dams and trenches under PMKSY help refill  groundwater. 
4. Drought Resilience: Micro-irrigation ensures crops survive dry spells, seen in drought-hit  regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada. 
5. Urban Wastewater Reuse: Ministry of Jal Shakti has created a framework for using  treated wastewater in farming, though no PMKSY project has used it yet. 

Challenges 

1. Implementation Gaps: Delays at the state level in planning and using funds.
2. Limited Awareness: Many farmers, especially in dry areas, are still unaware of micro irrigation benefits. 
3. Monitoring Shortfalls: Ministry of Jal Shakti (2023) reported that some states missed  targets due to weak coordination. 

Way Forward 

1. Expand NABARD’s Micro Irrigation Fund: Make it easier for small farmers to access funds.
2. Mandate Micro-Irrigation for Select Crops: Promote drip and sprinkler use for water heavy crops in dry areas. 
3. Swaminathan Commission: Increase public spending on water projects and improve  groundwater recharge. 
4. Dalwai Committee: Focus on efficient irrigation and make micro-irrigation a core policy.

Conclusion

PMKSY has laid the foundation for sustainable irrigation and efficient water use, contributing  significantly to the goal of sustainable agriculture and the achievement of SDG-6 in India.