Question

Which of the following statements accurately represent the characteristics of PMKSY Scheme?

1. The highest number of beneficiaries for the year 2024-25 under the watershed component of PMKSY are Uttar Pradesh followed by Jharkhand
2. The scheme primarily focuses on providing subsidies for large-scale irrigation projects.
3. The scheme was launched on July 1, 2015.
4. The scheme is fully funded by the Central Government.

• A. iv only
• B. iii only
• C. i, iii
• D. None of these

Answer 1

Answer:

C. i, iii

Understanding the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

• The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is a flagship scheme of the Government of India launched with the objective of ensuring 'Har Khet ko Pani' (water to every field) and 'More Crop Per Drop'.
• It aims to converge investments in irrigation, expand cultivable area under assured irrigation, improve water use efficiency, and promote water-saving technologies.

Launch and Objectives of PMKSY

• The PMKSY scheme was officially launched on July 1, 2015. This is a crucial date for competitive exams.
• Its primary focus is on an integrated approach to water management, emphasizing both source creation and distribution, rather than solely providing subsidies for large-scale irrigation projects.
• The scheme promotes various water conservation techniques including rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and efficient irrigation methods like micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler).

Components and Implementation of PMKSY

• PMKSY is an umbrella scheme formed by integrating existing irrigation programs. It has four main components, each managed by different ministries:
  1. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP): Managed by the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. Focuses on faster completion of ongoing Major and Medium Irrigation Projects.
  2. Har Khet ko Pani (HKKP): Also managed by the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. Aims to enhance physical access to water on the farm and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation. This includes Command Area Development & Water Management (CADWM).
  3. Per Drop More Crop (PDMC): Managed by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Focuses on promoting water use efficiency through micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler systems).
  4. Watershed Development Component (WDC): Managed by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development. Focuses on natural resource management, including soil and water conservation, regeneration of degraded lands, and rain-fed area development.

Funding Pattern and Beneficiaries

• The PMKSY is implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. This means the funding is shared between the Central Government and State Governments, not fully funded by the Central Government alone.
• The usual funding pattern is 75:25 (Centre:State) for General States and 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan States.
• Regarding beneficiaries under the watershed component, states with large geographical areas, significant rainfed agriculture, and high populations like Uttar Pradesh often have a high number of beneficiaries. It is plausible for Uttar Pradesh to lead, followed by states like Jharkhand, which also have substantial rain-fed areas requiring watershed interventions. Specific rankings can vary by year but indicate the scale of implementation in these states.