Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP) is an initiative that plays a pivotal role in enhancing the irrigation facilities for agricultural farms throughout India. As a critical component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), which was inaugurated in the fiscal year 2015-16, HKKP aims to extend irrigation coverage and promote efficient water usage across the country’s agricultural landscape. The scheme is administered by the Jal Shakti Ministry and encompasses several financial support mechanisms designed to bolster various aspects of irrigation and water management.
Objective of Har Khet Ko Pani
The primary goal of HKKP is to ensure that every agricultural field in India has access to adequate water supply for irrigation purposes. By doing so, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between irrigation potential created and the potential utilized. This is intended to enhance the productivity of farmland while also conserving water—a resource that is increasingly becoming scarce. HKKP’s mission aligns with the broader objectives of PMKSY to expand cultivable land under assured irrigation, reduce wastage of water, and improve water use efficiency.
Components of Har Khet Ko Pani
HKKP comprises several subcomponents that collectively address a wide range of irrigation-related issues. These include:
1. Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM): CADWM focuses on optimizing the use of water resources through the development of appropriate infrastructure within the command areas of major and medium irrigation projects. It includes activities such as field channels, farm ponds, and water-saving technologies.
2. Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI): This subcomponent aims to develop new minor irrigation schemes and rejuvenate existing ones. SMI projects typically involve small-scale interventions that can significantly improve irrigation in localized areas.
3. Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies: RRR targets the restoration of traditional water storage systems like tanks and ponds. By doing so, it enhances the capacity of these structures to store more water, thereby supporting irrigation and groundwater recharge.
4. Ground Water: Ground Water component is designed to provide financial assistance for the creation of sustainable groundwater irrigation systems. This is particularly targeted at small and marginal farmers who depend heavily on groundwater for irrigation.
Financial Aid and Implementation
The HKKP initiative provides financial assistance to state governments to implement various projects under its ambit. The funding pattern for the scheme is generally shared between the central and state governments, with a significant portion of the cost being borne by the central government. This financial backing is crucial for states, especially those with limited resources, to enhance their irrigation infrastructure and manage water resources more effectively.
Impact on Small and Marginal Farmers
Small and marginal farmers, who constitute a substantial portion of India’s agricultural community, stand to benefit immensely from HKKP. The scheme’s emphasis on assured ground water irrigation ensures that these farmers have reliable access to water, which is often a determining factor in their crop yields and overall livelihood. By improving water availability and distribution, HKKP helps in increasing agricultural productivity and income for these farmers.
Improving Water Use Efficiency
One of the key objectives of HKKP is to promote the efficient use of water in agriculture. The initiative encourages the adoption of modern irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler systems, which can significantly reduce water wastage. Additionally, the renovation of traditional water bodies under the RRR subcomponent aids in enhancing groundwater levels, which is vital for sustaining agriculture in water-scarce regions.
In conclusion, Har Khet Ko Pani is a comprehensive approach to addressing the irrigation needs of Indian agriculture. Through its various subcomponents, it not only aims to extend the reach of irrigation facilities but also ensures that water is used judiciously, benefiting both the present and future generations of farmers.