Evolution and Review of PMKSY Implementation (2025-2026): UPSC Current Affairs Story Arc

Overview

This arc tracks the strategic evolution of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) as it transitions into a more modernized and flexible phase. It begins with the Cabinet's ₹1,600 crore approval for the Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) sub-scheme, aimed at upgrading old delivery networks. To further efficiency, the government introduced operational flexibility in the 'Per Drop More Crop' (PDMC) component, allowing States to customize micro-level water storage. The arc culminates in a high-level review in early 2026 to design the next phase of India's flagship irrigation strategy, ensuring that 'potential created' actually becomes 'potential utilized' on the farm.

How This Story Evolved

Cabinet approves M-CADWM sub-scheme (Items 1 & 8) → Government adds flexibility to PDMC component (Item 3) → Government reviews full PMKSY scheme for next phase (Seed)

1. 2025-04-11: Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) Sub-Scheme Approved
   More details

   UPSC Angle: M-CADWM approved as sub-scheme of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.

   Key Facts:

   • Scheme: Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM)
   • Parent Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
   • Implementation Start: 2025-26
   • Initial Outlay: ₹1,600 crore
   • Focus: Modernising irrigation water supply network
   • Features: Underground pressurised piped irrigation up to 1 hectare
2. 2025-04-11: Cabinet Approvals
   More details

   UPSC Angle: Cabinet approves PM Krishi Sinchayee sub-scheme, Zirakpur Bypass, Tirupati doubling.

   Key Facts:

   • Approved Rs 1,600 crore for 'Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM)' under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for 2025-2026
   • Approved construction of 19.2 km 6-lane access-controlled Zirakpur Bypass in Punjab and Haryana
   • Approved doubling of 104 km Tirupati-Pakala-Katpadi railway line in Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Tamil Nadu (TN) with an estimated cost of Rs 1,332 crore
3. 2025-10-17: New Flexibility Under Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) Scheme
   More details

   UPSC Angle: New flexibility under Per Drop More Crop scheme to promote water use.

   Key Facts:

   • New flexibility under Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme
   • Centrally sponsored initiative launched in 2015–16
   • Aims to enhance farm-level water use efficiency
   • Implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PMRKVY) since 2022–23
   • States and UTs can now plan micro-level water management activities
4. 2026-02-06: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
   More details

   UPSC Angle: PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana integrates irrigation components for efficient water use.

   Key Facts:

   • Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) is a flagship scheme of the Government of India
   • Integrates Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP), Per Drop More Crop (PDMC), and Watershed Development

Genesis

Trigger

The Union Cabinet's approval of the M-CADWM sub-scheme on April 11, 2025, with an initial outlay of ₹1,600 crore.

Why Now

The government identified a persistent gap between the irrigation potential created (large dams) and the actual water reaching farmers' fields. Modernizing the Command Area Development (CAD) was deemed essential to improve water delivery efficiency for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Historical Context

The Command Area Development Programme was originally launched in 1974-75 to bridge the gap between irrigation potential and utilization; PMKSY (launched in 2015-16) later integrated it to provide an end-to-end solution.

Key Turning Points

1. [2025-04-11] Cabinet approval of M-CADWM sub-scheme

   It shifted focus toward 'modernization' of existing networks rather than just expanding new ones.

   Before: Focus was on standard CAD implementation. After: ₹1,600 cr focus on modernizing delivery and micro-irrigation integration.

2. [2025-10-17] Introduction of flexibility under PDMC

   Empowered states to address local 'micro-level' water storage needs which were previously rigid.

   Before: Rigid centrally-defined interventions. After: States can plan 'Other Interventions' (OI) for specific local water management.

Key Actors and Institutions

Key Institutions

• Ministry of Jal Shakti
• Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
• Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PMRKVY)

Key Concepts

Command Area Development (CAD)

A multi-disciplinary approach to optimize the utilization of irrigation potential by improving water delivery from the canal outlet to the farm gate.

Current Fact: The M-CADWM sub-scheme was approved with a ₹1,600 crore outlay on April 11, 2025.

Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)

A component of PMKSY focusing on farm-level water use efficiency through micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler) and water conservation.

Current Fact: Operational flexibility was added to PDMC on October 17, 2025, to allow micro-level water storage projects.

Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS)

Schemes implemented by state governments but largely funded by the Central Government with a defined cost-sharing ratio.

Current Fact: PDMC has been implemented under the umbrella of PMRKVY since 2022–23.

What Happens Next

Current Status

As of February 6, 2026, the entire PMKSY scheme is undergoing a comprehensive review to finalize the implementation framework for its next multi-year phase.

Likely Next

Expected launch of 'PMKSY Phase III' or a revised version with increased budgetary allocation for micro-irrigation and climate-resilient water infrastructure.

Wildcards

Monsoon variability or sudden shifts in state-level agricultural priorities could force further adjustments to the PDMC flexibility guidelines.

Why UPSC Cares

Syllabus Topics

• Different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage
• Government Budgeting
• Major crops - cropping patterns in various parts of the country

Essay Angles

• More Crop Per Drop: The key to India's water security
• Cooperative Federalism in Agricultural Schemes: The case for flexibility
• Modernizing Traditional Infrastructure: Lessons from M-CADWM

Prelims Likely: Yes

Mains Likely: Yes

Trend Signal: rising

Exam Intelligence

Previous Year Question Connections

• Testing launch dates and objectives of CADP (1974-75) and AIBP (1996-97). — The arc shows the modern evolution of these legacy programs into M-CADWM under PMKSY.
• Objectives of PMKSY (convergence, cultivable area, water use efficiency). — Directly tests the core components mentioned in the Feb 2026 review (AIBP, HKKP, PDMC, Watershed).

Prelims Angles

• Identify the sub-scheme recently modernized with ₹1,600 crore (M-CADWM).
• PDMC is now implemented under PMRKVY (not a standalone scheme since 2022-23).
• The four core components of PMKSY: AIBP, HKKP, PDMC, and Watershed Development.

Mains Preparation

Sample Question: Critically analyze the evolution of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in recent years. To what extent does the recent focus on M-CADWM and state-level flexibility address the gap between irrigation potential created and utilized?

Answer Structure: Intro: Define PMKSY and its integrated approach → Body 1: Discuss M-CADWM and the shift toward modernization of delivery networks → Body 2: Evaluate the impact of operational flexibility in PDMC for localized water storage → Critical Analysis: Challenges like fund utilization by states and climate change impacts → Conclusion: Suggest a way forward for the next phase (2026 onwards).

Essay Topic: The Last Mile Challenge: Bridging the Gap in India’s Developmental Infrastructure.

Textbook Connections

Key Takeaway

The PMKSY arc (2025-26) signifies a paradigm shift from 'expansion of irrigation infrastructure' to 'modernization and localized flexibility,' prioritizing water use efficiency (PDMC) over mere water storage.

All Events in This Story (4 items)

1. 2025-04-11 [Schemes & Programs] — Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) Sub-Scheme Approved
   The Union Cabinet has approved the Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) as a sub-scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). The scheme will be implemented from 2025-26 with an initial outlay of ₹1,600 crore and focuses on efficient water delivery and micro-irrigation.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: M-CADWM approved as sub-scheme of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.

   Key Facts:

   • Scheme: Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM)
   • Parent Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
   • Implementation Start: 2025-26
   • Initial Outlay: ₹1,600 crore
   • Focus: Modernising irrigation water supply network
   • Features: Underground pressurised piped irrigation up to 1 hectare
2. 2025-04-11 [Polity & Governance] — Cabinet Approvals
   The Union Cabinet approved several initiatives, including a new sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, construction of the Zirakpur Bypass, and doubling of the Tirupati-Pakala-Katpadi railway line. These projects aim to improve water management, connectivity, and infrastructure in key regions.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: Cabinet approves PM Krishi Sinchayee sub-scheme, Zirakpur Bypass, Tirupati doubling.

   Key Facts:

   • Approved Rs 1,600 crore for 'Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM)' under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for 2025-2026
   • Approved construction of 19.2 km 6-lane access-controlled Zirakpur Bypass in Punjab and Haryana
   • Approved doubling of 104 km Tirupati-Pakala-Katpadi railway line in Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Tamil Nadu (TN) with an estimated cost of Rs 1,332 crore
3. 2025-10-17 [Agriculture] — New Flexibility Under Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) Scheme
   The Government has introduced new flexibility under the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme to promote efficient water use and boost farmer income. The new flexibility will empower States and Union Territories to take up micro-level water storage and conservation projects as part of Other Interventions (OI).
   More details

   UPSC Angle: New flexibility under Per Drop More Crop scheme to promote water use.

   Key Facts:

   • New flexibility under Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme
   • Centrally sponsored initiative launched in 2015–16
   • Aims to enhance farm-level water use efficiency
   • Implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PMRKVY) since 2022–23
   • States and UTs can now plan micro-level water management activities
4. 2026-02-06 [Schemes & Programs] — Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
   The 'Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana' (PMKSY) is a flagship scheme of the Government of India, recently reviewed for its next phase of implementation. The scheme integrates various components like Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP), Per Drop More Crop (PDMC), and Watershed Development. PMKSY focuses on end-to-end solutions, from water source creation and distribution to on-farm application and extension activities.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana integrates irrigation components for efficient water use.

   Key Facts:

   • Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) is a flagship scheme of the Government of India
   • Integrates Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP), Per Drop More Crop (PDMC), and Watershed Development