Centre approves National Mission on Micro Irrigation

NEW DELHI - The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Thursday approved the implementation of the existing Micro Irrigation Scheme (MIS) as the National Mission on Micro Irrigation (NMMI).

The plan would be implemented during the Eleventh Plan period with an outlay of Rs.8032.90 crore.

Out of Rs.8032.90 crore Rs.3409.26 crore will be contributed by the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC).

The Central share in the project would comprise 40 percent subsidy for general farmers and 50 percent subsidy for small and marginal farmers.

Based on the recommendations of the Task Force on Micro Irrigation constituted by the Government of India, a scheme for implementation of micro irrigation technology in agriculture is being implemented in the country since 2005-06 as the Micro Irrigation Scheme.

The technology involves irrigating crops at the root zone as per the crop requirement comprising drip and sprinkler systems.

This technology greatly enhances water use efficiency and can also be used for fertilizer application.

This Mission will result in 2.85 million hectare to be brought under micro irrigation; savings in use of irrigation water, fertilizer and electricity; increase in production and productivity of crops; convergence with other ongoing schemes of DAC and other Ministries on creation of water harvesting structures and linking the same with Micro Irrigation system for higher water use efficiency and enhanced return to the farmers.

Since the inception of the Scheme, an area of 17.92 lakh hectare has been brought under micro irrigation in 18 States by utilizing Rs.2013.39 crore as the central share.

The MIS comprises 40 percent as Central share, 10 percent as State Government share and 50 percent as the beneficiary’s share. (ANI)