Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana: Enhancing Impact through Demand Driven Innovations

Abstract

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, has launched the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) to address India’s key agricultural challenges in the 21st century i.e., to reduce poverty and ensure food security for the growing population in the face of climate change, scarce and limited water and land resources. This initiative proposes to provide irrigation to every farm in the country (Har Khet Ko Pani) and improve water use efficiency (Per Drop More Crop and Income). It aims to bring together various schemes and programs for water harvesting, conservation and efficient management in order to ensure there is enough water for agriculture. This program also aims to harness the potential of agriculture by effectively utilizing green (soil moisture) and blue water (irrigation) for improving efficiency, sustainability, equity and resilience at the farm level, especially in rainfed, marginal and fragile areas, using an integrated approach...