Command Area Development (CAD) in India

The Command Area Development (CAD) program was launched in India to address a significant issue in the utilization of created irrigation potential. Though considerable effort was invested in the creation of irrigation systems through successive five-year plans, the actual utilization of this potential lagged behind due to a variety of reasons. The CAD program, initiated in 1974-75, sought to narrow the gap between the irrigation potential created and its effective use, ensuring that irrigation water reaches agricultural fields efficiently. This article delves into the background, components, and challenges of the CAD program, along with the reforms introduced over time.

Background: Why Was the CAD Program Launched?

In India’s development plans, a high priority was placed on creating additional irrigation potential to support agriculture. Despite this, a significant gap persisted between the irrigation potential created and the actual utilization of water for agriculture. This non-utilization was primarily due to delays in constructing field channels and drains, which hindered the delivery of water to the fields. Another important constraint was the lack of involvement of farmers in the irrigation management process.

To address these challenges, the Government of India launched the CAD program in 1974-75. The program was introduced with the goal of optimizing water delivery to fields, improving irrigation utilization, and enhancing agricultural productivity in the command areas of major and medium irrigation projects.

Objectives of the CAD Program

The CAD program was designed with the following key objectives:

• Improving the utilization of irrigation potential already created through major and medium irrigation projects.
• Optimizing agricultural production and productivity in the command areas.
• Enhancing the socio-economic conditions of farmers through improved irrigation and farming practices.

To achieve these goals, the Command Area Development Authorities (CADAs) were established at the state level, which aimed to maximize productivity in the irrigation command areas using an integrated approach. The program included several important components, all aimed at improving water management and agricultural efficiency.

Main Components of the CAD Program

The CAD program was comprehensive in its approach, focusing on multiple aspects of irrigation and land management. The following were some of its main components:

• Construction of Field Channels and Drains: The program aimed to ensure the construction of necessary infrastructure, such as field channels and field drains, to facilitate the equitable and efficient distribution of water.
• Bio-Drainage: Introduced in selective areas to address issues related to waterlogging and soil health.
• Correction of System Deficiencies: The scheme focused on addressing inefficiencies in the existing irrigation systems to enhance water delivery and usage.
• Desilting of Tanks in CAD Commands: Tanks were desilted to augment water supplies, improving irrigation availability during critical periods.
• Development of Groundwater: The program promoted the development of groundwater resources to supplement surface irrigation, ensuring a reliable supply of water.
• On-Farm Development (OFD) Works: These works involved activities such as the development of field channels and drains to promote efficient water use. Financial assistance was provided for the development of infrastructure, including sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, as an alternative to traditional field channels.
• Formation of Water Users’ Associations (WUAs): The formation of WUAs was mandatory under the CAD program. These associations were involved in the planning and implementation of irrigation activities, ensuring better participation and ownership among farmers.
• Survey, Planning, and Design: Detailed topographic and soil surveys were conducted to ensure that the planning and design of irrigation systems were aligned with the needs of the land and its capability for crop planning.
• Modernization of Irrigation Systems: The modernization, maintenance, and efficient operation of irrigation systems were key components of the program, with a focus on ensuring that water was distributed effectively up to the one-cu sec capacity outlets.
• Reclamation of Waterlogged Areas: This included assessing problem areas within the irrigation commands and implementing preventive and remedial measures such as land management and drainage systems to combat waterlogging, which significantly reduced agricultural productivity.

Why the CAD Program Was Restructured

The CAD program, despite its well-intended objectives, encountered several challenges that limited its success. These challenges included:

• Unreliable Water Supply at the Outlet: In many cases, water delivery was inconsistent, making it difficult to optimize irrigation efficiency.
• Limited Adoption of Technology: The available technology was not properly adopted, reducing the overall impact of the program.
• Lack of Farmer Participation: Many farmers did not actively participate in the scheme, limiting its effectiveness.

In response to these challenges, the CAD program was restructured and renamed as the Command Area Development and Water Management Program (CADWMP) in 2004. This restructuring aimed to address the existing constraints and improve the coordination of water management in command areas. The program was further decentralized in 2008-09, allowing states greater autonomy in its implementation.

Integration with the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program (AIBP)

To further streamline the implementation of irrigation projects, the CAD Program was merged with the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program (AIBP). Launched in 1996-97, the AIBP aimed to provide financial assistance to state governments to expedite the completion of ongoing irrigation projects. The integration of CAD with AIBP was designed to reduce the gap between irrigation potential created and utilized, ensuring that more land was brought under efficient irrigation coverage.

Program Implementation and Scale

The Ministry of Water Resources coordinates and monitors the implementation of the CAD program through CAD Authorities (CADAs) at the state level. The program initially targeted 60 major and medium irrigation projects covering a Culturable Command Area (CCA) of about 15.00 million hectares.

During the XII Five Year Plan, the CAD program was implemented in parallel with the AIBP, and various reforms were introduced to improve the effectiveness of the scheme.

Holistic Implementation of CADWM

To implement the CADWMP effectively, the following strategies were emphasized:

• Formation of WUAs: Before starting On-Farm Development (OFD) works, Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) were to be formed, and their active involvement was required throughout the implementation process. These associations were responsible for maintaining field channels and drains after completion.
• Simultaneous Construction of Drains: Field link and intermediate drains were constructed alongside OFD works to ensure efficient drainage.
• Training and Support: Institutions like Water and Land Management Institutes (WALMIs) were involved in providing training and technical support to farmers and officials involved in the program.

Conclusion

The Command Area Development (CAD) program was a crucial initiative aimed at improving the utilization of irrigation potential and boosting agricultural productivity in India. Despite facing challenges such as unreliable water supply, limited technology adoption, and lack of farmer participation, the program laid the groundwork for better water management practices in command areas. Over time, the program has evolved through restructuring and integration with other schemes like the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program (AIBP). By emphasizing local involvement through Water Users’ Associations and focusing on modern irrigation practices, the CAD program continues to play a vital role in enhancing irrigation efficiency and agricultural productivity in India.

1. Examine the objectives and components of the Command Area Development (CAD) program and its impact on irrigation and agricultural productivity in India. (250 words)
2. Discuss the challenges faced by the Command Area Development (CAD) program and how its restructuring into the CADWMP aimed to address these issues. (250 words)
3. Evaluate the role of Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) in the success of the Command Area Development and Water Management Program (CADWMP). (250 words)