Cabinet approves Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) under PMKSY
The Union Cabinet on 9 April 2025 approved M-CADWM as a sub-scheme of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana for 2025-26 with an initial outlay of ₹1,600 crore.
Summary
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 April 2025 approved the Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) as a sub-scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for 2025-26, with an initial total outlay of ₹1,600 crore. It will modernise the irrigation water supply network from existing canals or other sources in designated clusters, with underground pressurised piped irrigation up to the farm gate (up to 1 ha) to support micro-irrigation, and SCADA and IoT for water accounting. Irrigation assets will be handed to Water User Societies through Irrigation Management Transfer, with five years of handholding to link them with FPOs or PACS. The initial approval is for pilot projects in different agro-climatic zones through challenge funding to states; a National Plan for Command Area Development and Water Management is to be launched from April 2026 for the 16th Finance Commission period.
Key facts
- Approved
- Union Cabinet, 9 April 2025
- Parent scheme
- PMKSY
- Period / outlay
- 2025-26 / ₹1,600 crore (initial)
- Design
- Pressurised piped irrigation up to 1 ha farm gate; SCADA and IoT
- Management
- Irrigation Management Transfer to Water User Societies
- Next step
- National Plan for CADWM from April 2026 (16th FC period)
Practice MCQs 3 questions
The Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) approved in April 2025 is a sub-scheme of:
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Correct answer: B — Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY); M-CADWM was approved for 2025-26.
What is the initial total outlay approved for M-CADWM for 2025-26?
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Correct answer: A — ₹1,600 crore
₹1,600 crore; ₹1,878.31 crore is the Zirakpur bypass and ₹1,332 crore the Tirupati-Pakala-Katpadi doubling, approved the same day.
Consider the following statements about M-CADWM: 1. Irrigation assets are to be transferred to Water User Societies through Irrigation Management Transfer. 2. The initial approval is for a nationwide rollout in every district from 2025-26. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Assets go to Water User Societies, but the initial approval is for pilot projects through challenge funding to states; a National Plan is to follow from April 2026.