A new free irrigation scheme in Uttar Pradesh, backed by ₹1,600 crore, aims to revolutionize farming by replacing outdated canals with efficient piped networks. Targeting 19 lakh hectares, the initiative will boost water efficiency, crop yields, and farmer incomes while promoting sustainable agriculture. Local Water User Societies will manage operations, ensuring community-driven success.
UP’s Irrigation Revolution: Empowering Farmers for a Prosperous Future
Uttar Pradesh has launched an ambitious free irrigation scheme under the Moderation of Command Area Development and Water Management Programme (MCAD), supported by ₹1,600 crore in central funding. Announced on June 25, 2025, the initiative, part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), seeks to overhaul the state’s irrigation infrastructure by replacing outdated canal systems with high-efficiency pressurised pipe irrigation networks. This transformation is expected to save 150 million cubic meters of water in its first phase alone, directly benefiting millions of farmers across the state.
The scheme targets clusters ranging from 50 to 5,000 hectares, with Water User Societies (WUS) tasked with managing irrigation operations locally. These societies will foster participatory water governance, ensuring maintenance and equitable distribution. The ‘One Cluster, One Crop’ model will align agricultural practices with market demands, enhancing profitability. For instance, farmers in regions like Bundelkhand and Purvanchal will benefit from tailored crop strategies, potentially increasing yields by 30–35%, as seen in similar Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) projects.
Training programs will equip farmers with technical skills to operate modern irrigation systems, while the focus on indigenous manufacturing of equipment under the Make in India initiative will support local MSMEs. National, state, and district-level monitoring committees have been established to ensure transparent execution. Over the past eight years, UP has already added 19,11,231 hectares of irrigation capacity through 29 major projects, benefiting 43,53,850 farmers. This new scheme builds on that foundation, aiming to irrigate an additional 19 lakh hectares by 2030.
The initiative aligns with broader agricultural reforms, including the PM-Kisan scheme and enhanced Minimum Support Prices (MSP), which have increased farmer incomes over the past decade. Experts project that efficient irrigation could diversify crop patterns, enabling cultivation of high-value crops like pulses and vegetables, boosting household nutrition and rural incomes. Water-saving technologies like drip irrigation, already successful in pilot projects in Andhra Pradesh, will be scaled up to address sustainability concerns in water-scarce regions.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the state’s commitment to “water to every field,” noting that projects like the Saryu Canal and Bansagar Canal have already transformed regions like Bundelkhand. The Ken-Betwa river interlinking project, set to benefit 6.5 lakh hectares, will further complement this scheme. Farmers like Ram Prasad from Jhansi, who struggled with unreliable water supply, now anticipate double-cropping cycles, potentially doubling their annual income.
The scheme also addresses climate resilience, with smart irrigation systems reducing water wastage amid erratic monsoons. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern practices, as highlighted in a recent Jharkhand workshop, the initiative ensures inclusivity for smallholder and women farmers. Etwari Devi, a farmer from Khunti, exemplified this by mobilizing her community for sustainable irrigation, a model UP aims to replicate.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and government announcements. Data is sourced from credible outlets like The Times of India, The Hindu, and Free Press Journal. Readers are advised to verify details with official government sources for the latest updates.