New Delhi, Dec 15 (IANS): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CECA) on Wednesday approved implementation of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for 2021-26 with an outlay of Rs 93,068 crore.

The CCEA has approved central support of Rs 37,454 crore to states and Rs 20,434.56 crore of debt servicing for loan availed by Government of India for irrigation development during PMKSY 2016-21, a cabinet release said.

The cabinet - chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi - approved the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Har Khet ko Paani (HKKP) and Watershed Development components for continuation during 2021-26.

AIBP, flagship programme of the Centre, aims for financial support to irrigation projects. Total additional irrigation potential creation targeted during 2021-26 under AIBP is 13.88 lakh hectares. Apart from focused completion of 60 ongoing projects, including their 30.23 lakh hectare command area development, additional projects can also be taken up. The inclusion criteria have been relaxed for projects under tribal and drought prone areas, the release said.

Launched in 2015, PMKSY is an umbrella scheme, providing central grants to the state governments for specific activities. It consists of two major components by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, namely, Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), and Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP). HKKP, in turn, consists of four sub-components, Command Area Development (CAD), Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI), Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies, and Ground Water Development. In addition, the Watershed Development part is being implemented by the Department of Land Resources.

Another component of PMKSY, 'Per Drop More Crop' is being implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.