Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Command Area Development (CAD) Programme, launched in 1974, was a significant initiative undertaken by the Government of India to maximize the agricultural potential of irrigation projects. Recognizing that merely creating irrigation infrastructure wasn’t enough, the program aimed to enhance the utilization of water resources and improve agricultural productivity in the command areas – the areas served by these irrigation projects. The core objective was to reduce regional disparities in agricultural development by boosting production in areas historically reliant on monsoon rainfall, thereby improving the socio-economic conditions of farmers and contributing to national food security. However, the program’s effectiveness in truly eliminating regional inequalities has been a subject of debate.
Historical Context and Objectives
The CAD Programme emerged from the realization that substantial investments in irrigation were not translating into proportionate increases in agricultural output. This was attributed to factors like inadequate drainage, waterlogging, salinity, and a lack of coordinated efforts in input supply, credit, and marketing. The program was envisioned as a multi-disciplinary approach, integrating engineering, agronomy, and socio-economic aspects of agricultural development.
Components of the CAD Programme
The CAD Programme comprised four distinct phases:
- Phase I (1974-80): Focused on completing ongoing irrigation projects and developing the command areas.
- Phase II (1980-85): Emphasized improving water management practices, drainage systems, and land development.
- Phase III (1985-90): Introduced participatory irrigation management (PIM) and focused on strengthening farmers’ organizations.
- Phase IV (1990 onwards): Shifted towards a more decentralized and participatory approach, with greater emphasis on water users’ associations (WUAs) and sustainable water management.
Geographical Coverage and Implementation
The CAD Programme initially covered major irrigation projects across various states, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. The implementation was largely carried out by State Governments, with funding provided by the Central Government. The program involved a range of activities, including:
- Construction of field channels and drainage systems
- Land leveling and development
- Supply of agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides)
- Credit facilities for farmers
- Training and extension services
- Strengthening of marketing infrastructure
Impact on Eliminating Regional Inequalities
The impact of the CAD Programme on regional inequalities has been mixed. While the program did contribute to increased agricultural production in several command areas, its success in eliminating regional disparities was limited.
Positive Impacts
- Increased Agricultural Production: The program led to a significant increase in crop production and productivity in many command areas, particularly in states like Punjab and Haryana.
- Improved Irrigation Coverage: It expanded the area under irrigation, reducing dependence on monsoon rainfall and enhancing agricultural stability.
- Enhanced Farmer Incomes: Increased production and productivity translated into higher incomes for farmers in command areas.
Negative Impacts and Challenges
- Uneven Distribution of Benefits: The benefits of the program were not evenly distributed. Larger farmers with access to resources were able to capitalize on the opportunities more effectively than small and marginal farmers.
- Waterlogging and Salinity: Inadequate drainage infrastructure led to waterlogging and salinity in some command areas, reducing agricultural productivity.
- Lack of Participatory Management: Initial phases lacked effective participation of farmers in the management of irrigation systems, leading to inefficiencies and conflicts.
- Institutional Weaknesses: Weak institutional capacity and coordination among different departments hampered the effective implementation of the program.
- Financial Constraints: Insufficient funding and delays in disbursement of funds hindered the progress of the program.
Recent Developments and Reforms
Recognizing the shortcomings of the earlier phases, the government has undertaken several reforms to improve the effectiveness of the CAD Programme. These include:
- Emphasis on Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM): Promoting the formation and strengthening of Water Users Associations (WUAs) to empower farmers in the management of irrigation systems.
- Micro-Irrigation Techniques: Encouraging the adoption of micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation to improve water use efficiency.
- Command Area Rehabilitation and Improvement (CARI): Undertaking rehabilitation and improvement of existing irrigation infrastructure to address issues like waterlogging and salinity.
- PMKSY-Har Khet ko Pani: The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) launched in 2015, integrates various irrigation schemes, including CADP, to provide assured irrigation to every farm.
| Aspect | CADP (Initial Phases) | CADP (Recent Reforms - PMKSY) |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Top-down, infrastructure-focused | Bottom-up, participatory, water-use efficiency focused |
| Farmer Involvement | Limited | High, through WUAs |
| Technology | Conventional irrigation methods | Micro-irrigation, precision farming |
| Focus | Expanding irrigation coverage | Optimizing water use and improving productivity |
Conclusion
The Command Area Development Programme, despite its initial promise, faced numerous challenges in achieving its objective of eliminating regional inequalities. While it contributed to increased agricultural production and irrigation coverage, the benefits were not equitably distributed, and issues like waterlogging and institutional weaknesses hampered its effectiveness. Recent reforms under PMKSY, with their emphasis on participatory management and water-use efficiency, offer a more promising approach. However, sustained efforts are needed to address the remaining challenges and ensure that the benefits of irrigation reach all sections of the farming community, truly bridging regional disparities in agricultural development.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.