New Delhi. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the implementation of the existing Micro Irrigation Scheme (MIS) as the National Mission on Micro Irrigation (NMMI) during the Eleventh Plan period with an outlay of Rs.8032.90 crore, of which Rs.3409.26 crore will be contributed by the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC) as Central share comprising 40% subsidy for general farmers and 50% 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. MIS comprises 40% as Central share, 10% as State Government share and 50% as the beneficiary’s share.

The proposed NMMI incorporates-

• Revised cost norms and pattern of assistance based on the recommendations of Cost Norms committee constituted by DAC.

• Introduction of new components with advanced technologies on micro irrigation like semi permanent sprinkler system, fertigation system, sand filters, different types of valves etc. • Inclusion of closed space crops like vegetable, spices, and oilseeds.

• Release of Central share to the State Implementing Agencies instead of districts.