Daily Current Affairs : 26-October-2023

In a significant move towards bolstering agricultural infrastructure, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by the Prime Minister, has given the green light to the inclusion of the Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project of Uttarakhand under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (PMKSY-AIBP).

Understanding PMKSY:

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was launched in 2015-16 as a Central Sponsored Scheme. Its primary objectives include enhancing farmers’ access to water, expanding cultivable areas with assured irrigation, improving on-farm water use efficiency, and promoting sustainable water conservation practices. The government of India has allocated a substantial budget of Rs.93,068.56 crore for the implementation of PMKSY from 2021 to 2026.

AIBP Component of PMKSY:

The Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) is a crucial component of PMKSY aimed at creating irrigation potential through major and medium irrigation projects. Currently, 53 projects have been successfully completed under PMKSY-AIBP, leading to the creation of an additional irrigation potential of 25.14 lakh hectare. Notably, six projects have been integrated into the PMKSY 2.0 framework since 2021-22, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing irrigation facilities.

Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project:

The Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project marks a significant milestone as the seventh project included in PMKSY-AIBP. This project involves the construction of a dam near Jamrani village, spanning the Gola River, a tributary of the Ram Ganga River.

Impact on Agriculture:

The inclusion of the Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project under PMKSY-AIBP holds immense promise for the agricultural landscape of Uttarakhand and beyond. Its potential impacts include:

  • Enhanced Irrigation Facilities: The project will create a robust irrigation infrastructure, ensuring consistent water supply to farms, thereby promoting year-round cultivation and improving crop yield.
  • Increased Cultivable Land: With assured irrigation, previously uncultivated or rain-dependent areas can now be transformed into productive agricultural land, expanding the overall cultivable area.
  • Boosting Agricultural Productivity: Reliable water supply and expanded cultivable areas will enhance agricultural productivity, leading to increased income for farmers and contributing to food security.

Important Points:

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY):

  • Central Sponsored Scheme launched in 2015-16.
  • Aims to enhance farmers’ access to water and improve irrigation.
  • Focus on water use efficiency and sustainable water conservation.
  • Budget of Rs.93,068.56 crore allocated for 2021-26.

AIBP Component of PMKSY:

  • Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) focuses on major and medium irrigation projects.
  • 53 projects completed, creating irrigation potential of 25.14 lakh hectare.
  • Six projects added in PMKSY 2.0 since 2021-22.

Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project:

  • The seventh project included in PMKSY-AIBP.
  • Involves constructing a dam near Jamrani village spanning the Gola River.
  • Promises enhanced irrigation facilities, increased cultivable land, and boosted agricultural productivity.

Impact on Agriculture:

  • Enhanced irrigation facilities ensure year-round cultivation and better crop yield.
  • Expansion of cultivable land leads to increased agricultural productivity.
  • Contributes to the welfare of farmers and food security in Uttarakhand.
Why In News

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), presided over by the Prime Minister, has given its approval for the incorporation of the Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project in Uttarakhand under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (PMKSY-AIBP). This strategic decision marks a significant step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring efficient water resource management in the region, thereby fostering sustainable development and prosperity for the local communities.

MCQs about Empowering Farmers through PMKSY-AIBP Initiatives

  1. What does PMKSY-AIBP stand for?
    A. Prime Minister’s Agricultural Development Program
    B. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme
    C. Public Mandate for Key Sustainable Yield
    D. Progressive Measures for Agricultural Sustainability
    Correct Answer: B. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme
    Explanation: PMKSY-AIBP stands for Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, a major government initiative for enhancing irrigation facilities.
  2. What is the primary objective of PMKSY?
    A. Promoting industrial growth
    B. Enhancing physical access to water on farms and expanding cultivable areas under assured irrigation
    C. Building infrastructure for urban development
    D. Expanding healthcare facilities in rural areas
    Correct Answer: B. Enhancing physical access to water on farms and expanding cultivable areas under assured irrigation
    Explanation: The primary objective of PMKSY is to enhance physical access to water on farms and expand cultivable areas under assured irrigation, among other goals.
  3. What is the significance of the Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project?
    A. It focuses on urban development projects.
    B. It is the third project under PMKSY-AIBP.
    C. It promises enhanced irrigation facilities, increased cultivable land, and boosted agricultural productivity.
    D. It primarily deals with renewable energy initiatives.
    Correct Answer: C. It promises enhanced irrigation facilities, increased cultivable land, and boosted agricultural productivity.
    Explanation: The Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project promises enhanced irrigation facilities, increased cultivable land, and boosted agricultural productivity, making it a significant initiative under PMKSY-AIBP.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading