Q. Consider the following statements:

  1. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was launched during 1996-97 to provide loan assistance to poor farmers.
  2. The Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974-75 for the development of water-use efficiency,

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

  • 1 only
  • 2 only
  • Both 1 and 2
  • Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b) 2 only

Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme:
  • Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) was launched in 1996-97 by the Government of India (GOI) to accelerate the creation of irrigation potential by providing financial assistance to the State Governments to ensure early completion of ongoing multipurpose and irrigation projects  which were costing Rs.1000 crore or above and were in advanced stage of completion.
  • Subsequently the criteria for inclusion of irrigation projects under AIBP were changed from time to time so as to include all categories of projects i.e. major, medium and minor (surface irrigation) projects to bring regional balance.
  • Important features of guidelines for release of central assistance to states under AIBP are as under:-
    • Major/medium projects including Extension Renovation & Modernization projects benefiting drought prone/tribal areas and flood prone areas are eligible for 90% grant assistance.
    • Major/medium projects in the Special Category States and projects in undivided Karaput, Bolangir and Kalahandi districts of Orissa are also eligible for 90% grant assistance.
    • Other major/medium projects are eligible for 25% grant assistance under AIBP.
    • Surface MI schemes fulfilling criteria specified in the guidelines of the Special Category States are eligible for 90% grant assistance and surface MI schemes of the non special category states fulfilling eligibility criteria and benefiting drought prone/tribal areas are also eligible for 90% grant assistance.
    • Maximum time allowed for completion of major/medium projects under AIBP is 4 years excluding the year of inclusion of the project under AIBP.
    • The Maximum time allowed for completion of surface MI schemes under AIBP is 2 years excluding the year of inclusion of the scheme under AIBP.
    • The state governments are required to enter into an MOU with the Ministry of Water Resources for timely completion of the project specifying year wise targets of potential creation under AIBP.
    • A new major/medium project may be included in AIBP only on completion of an ongoing project under AIBP on one to one basis. However, projects benefiting drought prone/tribal areas, projects in the states having irrigation development below national average and projects included in the Prime Minister’s package for agrarian distressed districts of the Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra may be included in AIBP in relaxation to one to one criterion.
Command Area Development Programme
  • The Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974-75 with the set objectives of improving the utilization of created irrigation potential and optimizing agriculture production and productivity from irrigated agriculture through a multidisciplinary team under an Area Development Authority. It is about the command areas of the major and medium irrigation projects in the country.
    • The programme was restructured and termed as “Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) Programme” from 1 April 2004.
    • This programme was initially introduced in 60 major and minor projects including the Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area in 1974.
    • Subsequently, the Command Area Development Programme has spread 110 districts in 13 states, covering about 15 million hectares of irrigated agricultural land.
  • The CADP is underpinned by a multitude of objectives, each aiming to optimise the use of water resources and promote sustainable agriculture.
    • Improving Irrigation Efficiency: The primary goal of the CADP is to augment the efficiency of irrigation systems. This is achieved by reducing water wastage and ensuring a more uniform distribution of water across the command area.
    • Increasing Agricultural Productivity: By ensuring optimal irrigation, the CADP aims to significantly enhance agricultural productivity. This increase in yield can drastically improve the economic prospects of farming communities.
    • Socio-Economic Upliftment: The ultimate goal of the CADP is to foster socio-economic development. By improving farm productivity and income, the CADP seeks to uplift farming communities and contribute to overall national economic growth.