Government Schemes introduced by the Government of India with the point of tending as the financial assistance of its citizens, such plans assume a truly significant function in taking care of numerous issues that plague Indian culture and aides in accomplishing the objectives to filling up loopholes of economic degradation of its citizens. Government schemes are significant subjects from a test perspective for both IAS Prelims and Mains.

What is Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana?

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is an essential government plan related to protection and execution.

The Indian Government energizes preservation and its administration to be at a high need. To encourage this to be conveyed moving, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was presented with a dream of growing water system inclusion (Har Khet ko Pani) and utilizing the water all the more productively (More Crop Per Drop). This plan will give centre answers for source creation, appropriation, the board, field application, and other expansion exercises.

The genuine objective of the PMKSY is to achieve the converging of ventures inside the water system area at the ground level. Different destinations include:

• Increasing openness and development of the water system and of cultivable reach under ensured water system territories (Har Khet ko Pani).
• Enhancing On-Farm water use productivity to diminish the wastage of water.
• Integrating the source, circulation and thusly the productivity of water through suitable advances.
• Enhancing and advancing the execution of exact irrigational and other water-sparing advancements (More yield per drop).
• Enhancing topping off of springs and present legitimate water assurance practices by exploring the feasibility of reusing treated city-based water for peri-metropolitan cultivating.
• Ensuring incorporated improvement of rainfed zones by various techniques like:
  • Regeneration of Groundwater
  • Watershed approach for preserving water and soil
  • Arresting spillover
  • Providing business and other NRM Activities (common asset the executives)
  • Promoting augmentation exercises for ranchers and field labourers like:
    • Water Harvesting
    • Water Management
    • Crop arrangement

Attracting extra essential private interest in exactness water system framework structure. This will end in expanded creation and profitability which can additionally upgrade ranch pay.

Elements of PMKSY

The arrangement goes for bringing concerned Ministries/Departments/Agencies/Research and Financial Institutions busy with creation/use/reusing/potential reusing of water, brought under a regular stage, so a revolutionary and comprehensive view of the entire "water cycle" is mulled over and water planning is cultivated for all territories to be explicit, family, agriculture, and organizations.

The program plan of PMKSY goes for a 'decentralized State level masterminding and execution' structure, with a particular ultimate objective to empower States to draw up a territory Irrigation Plan (DIP) and a State Irrigation Plan (SIP). All structures made under the arrangements will be geotagged.

Segments of PMKSY

Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program (AIBP):

To consider speedier satisfaction of persistent Major and Medium Irrigation including National Projects.

Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP):

• Formation of new water sources through minor water framework (both surface and groundwater)
• Fix, recovery, and overhaul of traditional water bodies
• Charge range headway
• Bracing and creation of scattering coordinated from sources to the farm and
• Making and reviving customary water stockpiling frameworks like Jal Mandir (Gujarat); Khatri, Kuhl (H.P.); Zabo (Nagaland); Eri, Ooranis (T.N.); Dongs (Assam); Katas, Bandhas (Odisha and M.P.), and so on at doable areas.

Per Drop More Crop (PDMC):

Improving the proficiency of water utilization by different activities like exactness water application gadgets, development of miniature water system structures to enhance source creation exercises including tube wells and burrowed wells, and so on

Watershed Development (WD):

Edge an area treatment, drainage line treatment, soil and clamminess security, water harvesting and other watershed interventions.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following is the primary goal of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)?

A) To reduce fertilizer usage in agriculture

B) To provide irrigation infrastructure to farmers

C) To promote organic farming

D) To increase the number of agricultural subsidies

2. Which of the following components is part of the PMKSY scheme?

A) National Agricultural Market (e-NAM)

B) Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP)

C) Soil Health Management Programme

D) National Food Security Mission

3. How does the PMKSY promote water-use efficiency?

A) By promoting water conservation through rainwater harvesting

B) By encouraging traditional irrigation methods

C) By supporting micro-irrigation systems like drip and sprinkler irrigation

D) By providing free water to farmers

4. What is the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) initiative under PMKSY focused on?

A) Increasing the area under irrigation

B) Encouraging the use of organic fertilizers

C) Promoting water conservation and improving water-use efficiency

D) Expanding the area under rain-fed agriculture

5. How does PMKSY help in achieving the goal of doubling farmers' income?

A) By providing subsidies for seeds and fertilizers

B) By improving irrigation systems and crop productivity

C) By reducing electricity consumption for farming

D) By promoting rural industrialization

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the importance of irrigation in Indian agriculture and how PMKSY contributes to it.

Answer: Irrigation is critical in Indian agriculture, especially due to the dependence on monsoon rains. However, uneven rainfall patterns often lead to water scarcity in many regions, impacting crop productivity. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to address these challenges by improving irrigation infrastructure, completing ongoing irrigation projects, and promoting water-use efficiency through micro-irrigation systems. Through these efforts, PMKSY ensures that more land is brought under irrigation, reduces dependence on unpredictable rainfall, and enhances overall agricultural productivity, leading to increased farmers' income and national food security.

Q2: How can India improve the effectiveness of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in addressing water scarcity issues?

Answer: To improve the effectiveness of PMKSY, India needs to focus on integrating modern water-saving technologies, such as rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation techniques, into the agricultural practices of farmers. Additionally, enhancing awareness and providing training for farmers on the use of these technologies is crucial. The scheme should also focus on expanding coverage to under-served areas, improving groundwater recharge methods, and incentivizing sustainable water management practices. Strengthening coordination between the central and state governments, along with local communities, will further ensure that the benefits of PMKSY are realized on the ground.

Q3: How does PMKSY contribute to sustainable agriculture and climate change adaptation?

Answer: PMKSY contributes to sustainable agriculture by ensuring more efficient use of water resources, which is crucial in the face of climate change-induced water scarcity. By promoting micro-irrigation systems, the scheme helps farmers use water more efficiently, reducing wastage and increasing crop yield. This not only boosts productivity but also helps farmers adapt to the changing climate, where erratic rainfall patterns are becoming more common. Moreover, by focusing on water conservation, PMKSY supports climate change mitigation efforts, ensuring that agriculture remains resilient and sustainable in the long term.

Previous Year Questions on Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Which of the following initiatives is part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)?

A) Digital India Programme
B) Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP)
C) Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
D) National Rurban Mission

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) is a key component of PMKSY, which focuses on completing ongoing irrigation projects to provide farmers with efficient irrigation systems.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "Analyze the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) on Indian agriculture and its potential to address water scarcity challenges."

Answer: PMKSY plays a crucial role in addressing the water scarcity challenges faced by Indian agriculture. By improving irrigation infrastructure and promoting efficient water-use practices, the scheme ensures better water availability for crops, reducing the risks associated with unpredictable monsoon patterns. Through components like the Per Drop More Crop initiative and AIBP, PMKSY helps farmers increase crop productivity and income, contributing to food security and sustainability in the agricultural sector.