New Delhi: The Centre has expanded irrigation support for drought-prone areas through projects under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY).
The government launched PMKSY in 2015-16. The scheme aims to expand irrigation coverage and improve water use efficiency. It also promotes sustainable water conservation in agriculture.
Under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), officials identified 99 major and medium irrigation projects. States selected these projects in consultation with the Centre.
Out of these, 59 projects support drought-prone regions across India. Seven projects benefit drought-prone areas in Andhra Pradesh.
Special provisions for drought-prone irrigation projects
The government introduced special provisions for irrigation support for drought-prone areas during the 2021-26 phase of PMKSY.
Officials relaxed the eligibility rule for certain projects. Projects with over 50 percent drought-prone command area now qualify more easily.
The Centre also increased its funding share. The funding ratio rose from 25:75 to 60:40 for such projects.
New irrigation projects under PMKSY
Since 2021-22, authorities have approved 19 major and medium irrigation projects under PMKSY-AIBP. Five of them support drought-prone regions.
The government also launched Surface Minor Irrigation schemes under the Har Khet Ko Pani component.
Authorities included 14 clusters covering 1,731 schemes under this component. Three clusters with 214 schemes support drought-prone regions.
However, Andhra Pradesh has not received any new project under PMKSY-AIBP or Har Khet Ko Pani in the last three years.
Special irrigation package for Maharashtra
The Centre approved a special irrigation package for drought-hit regions in Maharashtra in July 2018.
The package targets agrarian distress in Vidarbha, Marathwada and other drought-prone areas.
It includes eight major and medium irrigation projects and 83 surface minor irrigation projects.
Officials say these projects will expand irrigation potential. They will also improve water access for farmers.
Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Paatil shared the information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
