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Key Points

The PMKSY has revolutionized farming in Gujarat's tribal Dang district by providing reliable irrigation to previously rain-dependent fields. Farmers like Nareshbhai testify how the scheme allowed multi-crop cultivation, transforming their economic stability. The umbrella program integrates water conservation with infrastructure development through components like AIBP and HKKP. With continued central funding until 2026, PMKSY represents a sustainable solution for water-scarce agricultural regions.

Key Points: PMKSY Transforms Dang Farmers' Lives With Year-Round Irrigation

  • PMKSY enables year-round farming in drought-prone Dang district
  • Scheme sanctioned in tribal farmer Bharjuben Kakadiyabhai’s name
  • 2015-launched initiative combines irrigation expansion with water conservation
  • Includes Har Khet Ko Pani and Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme
3 min read

Gujarat: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana transforms farmers' lives in Dang

Gujarat's Dang farmers celebrate PMKSY success as rain-dependent agriculture shifts to assured irrigation, boosting livelihoods under Modi's flagship scheme.

"If this scheme hadn’t reached us, we would have continued to face extreme difficulties - Nareshbhai, Dang farmer"

Dang, Aug 8

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is proving to be a game-changer for farmers in Gujarat's Dang, turning once rain-dependent agriculture into a year-round livelihood.

Nareshbhai, a resident of Umbarpada in Kasadbari village, shared how the scheme changed his family’s farming prospects.

Talking to IANS, Nareshbhai said: "There are five members in our family, and this scheme was sanctioned in my mother Bharjuben Kakadiyabhai’s name. Earlier, farming was entirely dependent on rainfall. Water scarcity often made it impossible to sow crops. But with this scheme, we now have assured irrigation and can cultivate throughout the year."

Nareshbhai recalled that it was during a government survey that officials informed them about the PMKSY. Soon after, they received the benefits.

"If this scheme hadn’t reached us, we would have continued to face extreme difficulties. Farming without water is almost impossible here. Now, thanks to the Prime Minister’s initiative, we can farm and improve our livelihood," he added.

Expressing heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nareshbhai said: "I thank the Prime Minister from the bottom of my heart for launching such a scheme for farmers. It has made our lives easier and more secure."

Launched in 2015-16, the PMKSY aims to ensure physical access to water for every farm, expand cultivable areas under assured irrigation, improve water-use efficiency, and promote sustainable water conservation practices. It serves as an umbrella scheme with two major components implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti – the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and the Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP).

The HKKP component has four sub-segments: Command Area Development & Water Management (CAD&WM), Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI), Repair, Renovation, and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies, and Ground Water Development. Additionally, the PMKSY includes a Watershed Development (WD) component under the Department of Land Resources.

Between 2015 and 2022, the “Per Drop More Crop” (PDMC) component, aimed at improving water-use efficiency at the farm level, was also part of the PMKSY and implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DoA&FW). From 2021 onwards, PDMC has been implemented as a separate scheme.

In December 2021, the Centre approved the continuation of PMKSY for 2021-22 to 2025-26. The Ground Water component under PMKSY-HKKP was provisionally approved for 2021-22 and later extended until ongoing works and liabilities were completed.

Apart from the PMKSY, the Ministry also provides financial assistance for creating and stabilising irrigation potential under the National Project Scheme and through special projects.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the scheme is good, implementation is patchy in some states. My uncle in MP is still waiting for benefits after 2 years of application. Government should ensure equal reach across all regions.
A
Aditya G
Jai Kisan! Water conservation is the need of the hour. Such schemes combined with traditional methods like rainwater harvesting can revolutionize Indian agriculture. Gujarat showing the way once again!
S
Sarah B
As an agriculture researcher, I'm impressed by the comprehensive approach of PMKSY. The focus on both surface and groundwater management shows good planning. Hope to see more success stories like Nareshbhai's across India.
K
Kavya N
My father always says "Paani hi jeevan hai". So happy to see this scheme transforming lives in Dang. But government should also educate farmers about water conservation techniques along with providing infrastructure.
V
Vikram M
Good initiative but corruption at local level sometimes prevents benefits from reaching actual farmers. Need more transparency in implementation. Otherwise scheme is excellent in concept.

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