Which of the following statements with regard to Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is/are correct? 1. PMKSY was launched during 2015-1 6. 2. The basic aim of PMSKSY is to enhance physical access to water on the farm. 3. One of the main objectives of PMKSY is to achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. Irrigation in India: Status, Sources, and Challenges (basic)

Agriculture in India is often described as a "gamble on the monsoons." While India receives significant rainfall, its uneven spatial distribution and seasonal nature make irrigation — the artificial application of water to land — the backbone of food security. Currently, about 84% of India's total water resources are consumed by the agricultural sector Geography of India, Agriculture, p.32. Despite its importance, only about 48.8% of the net sown area in the country is under assured irrigation, highlighting a significant "irrigation gap" that the government seeks to bridge to improve crop yields.

To understand irrigation management, we first classify projects based on their Culturable Command Area (CCA), which is the total area that can be physically irrigated by a scheme. This classification helps in administrative planning and funding:

Project Category	CCA (Hectares)	Typical Examples
Minor Irrigation	Less than 2,000 ha	Dug wells, tube-wells, small tanks, and lift irrigation.
Medium Irrigation	2,000 to 10,000 ha	Small canals and medium-sized dams/bunds.
Major Irrigation	More than 10,000 ha	Large canal networks and multi-purpose river valley projects.

Reference: Indian Economy, Irrigation in India, p.367

Regarding the sources of irrigation, there has been a significant structural shift since independence. In 1950-51, canals were the primary source, accounting for 44% of the irrigated area. However, by 2010-11, this declined to roughly 28% Environment and Ecology, Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India, p.70. Today, Groundwater (Wells and Tube-wells) is the dominant source, providing over 60% of irrigation water. This shift toward groundwater has provided farmers with more autonomy but has led to the critical challenge of declining water tables in states like Punjab and Haryana. Geographically, Uttar Pradesh holds the highest net irrigated area in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan Indian Economy, Irrigation in India, p.361.

To address these challenges, the government launched the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) on July 1, 2015. This scheme aims to achieve "convergence" of investments in irrigation at the field level, meaning it brings together various departments to provide end-to-end solutions. Its core objectives are captured in two slogans: 'Har Khet Ko Pani' (Water for every farm) and 'More Crop Per Drop' (focusing on water-use efficiency through micro-irrigation) NCERT Class XII: Water Resources, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, p.44.

Sources: Geography of India, Agriculture, p.32; Indian Economy, Irrigation in India, p.367; Environment and Ecology, Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India, p.70; Indian Economy, Irrigation in India, p.361; NCERT Class XII: Water Resources, Water Resources, p.44

2. National Water Policy and Resource Management (basic)

To understand water management in India, we must first recognize the challenge: India supports nearly 18% of the world's population with only about 4% of its renewable water resources. To manage this scarcity, the Government of India formulated the National Water Policy (NWP), with versions released in 1987, 2002, and the most current in 2012 Majid Husain, Geography of India, p.45. The core philosophy has shifted from mere infrastructure building to a more integrated and sustainable management approach.

The National Water Policy 2012 introduced several progressive shifts. It emphasizes that after meeting pre-emptive needs (safe drinking water, sanitation, and food security), water should be treated as an economic good to promote conservation. It also calls for a National Water Framework Law to guide states and highlights the need for adaptation strategies to handle climate change. A key goal is to reduce the disparity in water supply between urban and rural areas while involving the community in managing water projects NCERT Class XII, Water Resources, p.50.

To bring these policies to the ground, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was launched on July 1, 2015. Instead of creating isolated projects, PMKSY seeks convergence—amalgamating existing programs like the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP). Its primary goal is reflected in the motto 'Har Khet Ko Pani' (Water for every field), aiming to provide end-to-end solutions in the irrigation supply chain, from the water source to the farm level NCERT Class XII, Water Resources, p.44.

Finally, we cannot ignore groundwater, as India is the world's largest user of it. Management is overseen by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), established in 1970, and the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), which was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate over-exploited districts Nitin Singhania, Indian Economy, p.368-372.

Sources: Geography of India (Majid Husain), The Drainage System of India, p.45; INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY (NCERT Class XII), Water Resources, p.44, 50; Indian Economy (Nitin Singhania), Irrigation in India, p.368-372

3. Micro-Irrigation: Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) (intermediate)

At its heart, Micro-irrigation is the shift from 'flooding the field' to 'feeding the plant.' In traditional surface irrigation, we often see massive water loss due to evaporation and runoff. To combat this, the 'Per Drop More Crop' (PDMC) component was launched as part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in July 2015 INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.), Chapter 4, p. 44. The core objective is to improve Water-Use Efficiency (WUE)—the ratio between effective water use and actual withdrawal. Currently, India's WUE in agriculture is approximately 38%, significantly lower than the 50-60% seen in developed nations that have embraced micro-irrigation Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania (ed 2nd 2021-22), Irrigation in India, p.357.
The most precise form of micro-irrigation is Drip Irrigation. Unlike surface or sprinkler methods that wet the entire soil profile, drip irrigation uses a network of small plastic pipes and emitters to deliver water directly to the root zone at very low rates (2-20 liters/hour). By applying water frequently—usually every 1-3 days—it maintains a 'sweet spot' of moisture where plants can flourish without the stress of drying out or being waterlogged Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24), Agriculture - Part II, p.334. This method is exceptionally effective for row crops like vegetables and high-value horticulture crops like grapes or bananas, which have high water requirements.
While the benefits are immense—including 40-70% water savings and higher profitability—the system does come with challenges. It requires a higher initial investment and technical management to prevent the clogging of emitters Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.), Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India, p.73. However, for a water-stressed nation like India, the transition to PDMC is a necessity to achieve the motto of 'Har Khet Ko Pani' (Water for every farm).

Feature	Conventional (Surface) Irrigation	Micro-Irrigation (Drip/Sprinkler)
Water Use Efficiency	Low (~30-40%)	High (~80-95%)
Area Wetted	Entire soil profile/field surface	Targeted area (primarily root zone)
Fertilizer Loss	High (Leaching/Runoff)	Low (Fertigation possible)

Sources: INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.), Chapter 4: Water Resources, p.44; Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania (ed 2nd 2021-22), Irrigation in India, p.357; Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24), Agriculture - Part II, p.334; Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.), Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India, p.73

4. Watershed Management and Groundwater Recharge (intermediate)

At its core, Watershed Management is the rational utilization of all the natural resources (land, water, and vegetation) within a geographical unit where all water drains to a common point. Think of a watershed as a 'basin' or a 'funnel.' Instead of just focusing on the water in a river, we look at the entire landscape that feeds that river. The primary philosophy here is the 'Ridge to Valley' approach—treating the land from the highest point (the ridge) down to the drainage line (the valley) to ensure that every drop of rain is captured where it falls Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain, Locational Factors of Economic Activities, p.21.

The magic happens through Groundwater Recharge. In many parts of India, rain falls in intense bursts, leading to rapid 'run-off' where water flows over the surface, causing erosion and ending up in the sea without being used. Watershed management interrupts this by slowing the water down. Techniques like contour bundling, check dams, and percolation tanks act as speed bumps, forcing water to stay on the land longer so it can seep into the aquifers below. This regeneration of the natural vegetation further acts as a 'biological sponge,' improving soil moisture and preventing the siltation of downstream reservoirs Geography of India, Majid Husain, Regional Development and Planning, p.54.

In India, this logic is institutionalized through the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), which has now been converged under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). To bolster these efforts, the National Watershed Project (often supported by the World Bank's Neeranchal project) focuses on bringing world-class hydrology and water management practices to rain-fed and water-stressed areas Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania, Irrigation in India, p.370. The goal is a 'multi-pronged approach' that doesn't just increase crop yields, but makes the entire ecosystem sustainable.

Feature	Traditional Irrigation	Watershed Management
Primary Focus	Delivering water to the field.	Conserving soil and moisture across the landscape.
Method	Canals, wells, and pipes.	Check dams, afforestation, and contouring.
Groundwater Impact	Often leads to depletion (over-extraction).	Focuses on replenishment (recharge).

Sources: Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain, Locational Factors of Economic Activities, p.21; Geography of India, Majid Husain, Regional Development and Planning, p.54; Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania, Irrigation in India, p.370

5. Convergence in Agricultural Policy and Governance (exam-level)

In public administration, convergence refers to the strategic integration of various schemes, departments, and financial resources to achieve a common goal, breaking the traditional 'silo-based' approach where departments work in isolation. In the context of Indian agriculture, this is best exemplified by the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), launched on July 1, 2015. Rather than creating a brand-new project from scratch, PMKSY was designed as an umbrella scheme to achieve end-to-end solutions in the irrigation supply chain by amalgamating existing programs like the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) NCERT 2025 ed. Class XII, Chapter 4, p. 44. This ensures that the creation of a water source (like a dam) is synchronized with the distribution network and final application on the farm.

The governance model of PMKSY operates on two primary mottos: 'Har Khet Ko Pani' (Water for every farm) to expand cultivable area, and 'Per Drop More Crop' to improve water-use efficiency through micro-irrigation. To make this convergence effective, the policy emphasizes linking micro-irrigation methods with physical water-harvesting structures like tanks, check dams, and farm ponds Nitin Singhania, Irrigation in India, p. 365. By integrating these previously separate components, the government aims to recharge aquifers and ensure that the infrastructure created actually reaches the farmer's gate.

Beyond just irrigation, this philosophy of 'integrated governance' extends to the entire agricultural value chain. For instance, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana acts as a similar umbrella for the food processing sector, creating backward and forward linkages between the farm gate and the retail outlet to reduce waste and modernize processing Nitin Singhania, Food Processing Industry in India, p. 421. Even regulatory hurdles are being streamlined through systems like PARIVESH, a single-window portal that provides integrated environmental, forest, and wildlife clearances for projects Shankar IAS Academy, Environmental Impact Assessment, p. 139. This holistic approach ensures that agricultural growth is not hindered by administrative fragmentation.

Sources: NCERT 2025 ed. Class XII, Chapter 4: Water Resources, p.44; Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania, Irrigation in India, p.365; Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania, Food Processing Industry in India, p.421; Environment, Shankar IAS Academy, Environmental Impact Assessment, p.139

6. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Core Objectives (exam-level)

In India, agriculture has historically been described as a "gamble on the monsoon." To mitigate this dependency and ensure food security, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was launched on July 1, 2015. The scheme is designed as an "umbrella" program that seeks to provide end-to-end solutions in the irrigation supply chain, covering water sources, distribution networks, and farm-level applications INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII, Chapter 4, p. 44.

The core philosophy of PMKSY is built on two powerful mottos that address both the quantity and efficiency of water use:

• Har Khet Ko Pani (Water for every field): This objective focuses on increasing the physical access to water on the farm and expanding the cultivable area under assured irrigation. It aims to bridge the gap between irrigation potential created and the actual area utilized Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania (ed 2nd), Irrigation in India, p.369.
• Per Drop More Crop: This focuses on micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler systems) to maximize water use efficiency, ensuring that every unit of water contributes significantly to crop productivity.

One of the most critical aspects of PMKSY is its strategy of convergence. Before 2015, irrigation projects were fragmented across various ministries. PMKSY integrated several existing programs to create a unified approach. For instance, it brought together the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) from the Ministry of Rural Development, and On-Farm Water Management from the Ministry of Agriculture Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania (ed 2nd), Irrigation in India, p.369. While it was initially launched under the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Jal Shakti became the nodal ministry in 2016 to streamline large-scale water project completions.

Sources: INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII, Chapter 4: Water Resources, p.44; Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania (ed 2nd 2021-22), Irrigation in India, p.369

7. Solving the Original PYQ (exam-level)

Now that you have mastered the conceptual framework of Indian irrigation and the historical gaps in water management, this question tests your ability to see how PMKSY acts as an "umbrella" scheme. It bridges the gap between macro-level water sourcing and micro-level field application. By integrating legacy programs like the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), the scheme aims for an end-to-end solution in the irrigation supply chain. This is the logic behind Statement 3, which emphasizes the convergence of investments at the field level to ensure that resources from different ministries work in harmony rather than in silos.

To arrive at the correct answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3, you must evaluate both the factual and philosophical pillars of the scheme. Statement 1 is a straightforward factual check; the scheme was indeed launched on July 1, 2015 (during the 2015-16 financial year). Statement 2 captures the primary goal of 'Har Khet Ko Pani', which focuses on expanding the cultivable area and improving physical access to water on the farm. As you've learned in your modules, increasing the 'assured irrigation' footprint is vital for climate-resilient agriculture, making this statement a core component of the policy's design.

UPSC often uses Statements 1 and 2 as "bait" to lead students toward Option (B), assuming the student might overlook the administrative or "convergence" aspect of the scheme. However, in the context of INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.), the emphasis is placed on the integration of water sources and distribution. Therefore, ignoring the convergence aspect (Statement 3) would be a mistake. Always remember that modern flagship schemes are designed to be comprehensive; if all statements describe the launch, the motto, and the administrative strategy accurately, the holistic choice is usually the right one.