To bridge the gap between "Irrigation Potential Available" and "Actual Utilization of these Resources," the Government of India launched the Command Area Development Programme (CAD) in 1974 with World Bank funding. With agriculture serving as a critical economic pillar, CAD remains vital for ensuring sustainable agricultural development.
What is Command Area Development and Its Objectives?
Command Area Development aims to develop and improve irrigation infrastructure in irrigated regions to boost agricultural productivity and farmers' livelihoods. Key objectives include promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing economic development in rural areas, augmenting surface irrigation potential through groundwater development, modernizing irrigation networks, and constructing field channels.
Implementation and Achievements
Implemented by the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, the program involves building canals, water storage structures, and pump sets alongside providing farmers with technical assistance, credit access, improved seeds, and fertilizers. Major achievements include enhanced irrigation infrastructure, higher agricultural productivity, and increased farmer incomes.
Challenges and Criticisms
The program has encountered challenges such as a lack of adequate financial resources, technical capacity constraints, and insufficient participation by local communities, underscoring the need for continuous capacity building.
Current Status: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
The initiative is now implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), launched in 2015 by the Government of India. PMKSY aims to enhance precision irrigation adoption, improve water use efficiency, provide permanent solutions to drought, and encourage sustainable water conservation.
The PMKSY comprises three core components:
- Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP): Accelerates major and medium irrigation projects alongside repair and restoration of water bodies.
- Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP): Enhances irrigation coverage through precision techniques like drip and sprinkler systems and small water storage structures.
- Per Drop More Crop (PDMC): Focuses on micro-irrigation and efficient water management practices with financial assistance for farmers.
Conclusion
Command Area Development and its modern incarnation PMKSY represent critical initiatives for optimizing water resource utilization, boosting agricultural productivity, and fostering inclusive rural development across India.