Cabinet approves implementation of PMKSY for 2021-26

Context

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for 2021-26.

Key-Points

• The scheme has been launched at an outlay of Rs 93,068 crores which includes Rs 37,454 crore worth central assistance to States. 
• This scheme aims to benefit 22 lakh farmers, including 2.5 lakh SC and 2 lakh ST farmers.
• 20,434.56 crore of debt servicing has been approved for loan availed by Government of India to develop irrigation during PMKSY 2016-21.
• As a part of the scheme, Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Watershed Development and Har Khet ko Paani (HKKP) components have been extended for 2021-26.

About PMKSY

• The PMKSY scheme was launched in
• It is an umbrella scheme that provides central grants to the State Governments for specific activities. 
• This scheme aims to enhance physical access of water on farms and expands cultivable areas under assured irrigation, improves on-farm water use efficiency, and introduces sustainable water conservation practices among others.
• It comprises two major components namely, Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), and Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP).

Components of PMKSY

• Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP): It is being implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It aims to provide financial support to irrigation projects.
  • Under the programme, central funding of 90% of the water component for two national projects, namely the Renukaji Dam Project in Himachal Pradesh and Lakhwar Multipurpose Project in Uttarakhand.
• Har Khet Ko Pani(HKKP): It is being implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It aims for the enhancement of physical access to the farm and the expansion of cultivable areas under assured irrigation. It consists of four subcomponents namely:
  • Command Area Development (CAD)
  • Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI)
  • Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies
  • Ground Water Development component
• Per Drop More Crop: It is being implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. It focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at the farm level through Micro Irrigation technologies, viz. Drip and Sprinkler irrigation systems. 
• Watershed Development: It is being implemented by the Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development. It focuses on the development of rainfed areas towards soil and water conservation, regeneration of groundwater, arresting run-off and promoting extension activities related to water harvesting and management.