Mod 4: Water, Soil and Missions — Irrigation, Sustainability, RKVY and Horticulture
4B.4.1 Irrigation and watershed programmes
🏫 School → 🇮🇳 UPSC · NCERT-linked · latest official data
- School
- Class 10+2
- BPSC
- UPSC
- Date and describe CADP, AIBP, PMKSY.
- Explain watershed programmes: Hariyali, Neeru-Meeru, WDF.
- Know which State has the most tube-well irrigation.
- Recall Jaldhara for desert farmers.
Only about 59% of India’s net sown area is irrigated. What two kinds of programmes can raise this?
Show answer
Programmes that build and use irrigation (canals, wells, command-area works) and programmes that catch rain where it falls (watershed development, rainwater harvesting).
Four big irrigation programmes in order.
| Component | Focus |
|---|---|
| AIBP | Finish major/medium projects |
| Har Khet Ko Paani | Minor irrigation, command area, repair/renovation of water bodies, groundwater |
| Per Drop More Crop | Drip & sprinkler (micro-irrigation) |
| Watershed Development | Rainwater harvesting, Jal Sanchay, Jal Sinchan |
📌 Solves: Q180, Q182
Match the name to the place and purpose.
| Scheme | When / where | What |
|---|---|---|
| Hariyali | Jan 2003, PM Vajpayee; Ministry of Rural Development via Panchayats | Watershed management, rainwater harvesting, drinking water, irrigation, plantation |
| Neeru-Meeru (“water and you”) | 2000, Andhra Pradesh | Water harvesting |
| Watershed Development Fund | 2000, NABARD | Corpus ₹200 cr (₹100 cr MoA + ₹100 cr NABARD); 100 districts; 2/3 loans, 1/3 grants |
| Jaldhara Yojana | Central scheme | Pump sets on nominal rent/lease to poor desert farmers |
📌 Solves: Q170, Q171, Q178, Q186, Q205
Groundwater is India’s main irrigation source today.
Wells and tube-wells irrigate more area than canals. Uttar Pradesh has the largest area under tube-well irrigation in India.
Why is tube-well dependence a problem in Punjab and Haryana?
Show answer
Free/cheap power and paddy cultivation drain aquifers faster than rain recharges them — water tables fall every year. Hence Atal Bhujal and micro-irrigation (next topic).
📌 Solves: Q187
No — it bundles big projects, minor irrigation, micro-irrigation and watershed work.
1 markMotto of PMKSY?
“Har Khet Ko Paani”.
2 marksWhat is Hariyali?
Watershed scheme of 2003 under MoRD via Panchayats.
PYQ patternArea under tube-well irrigation highest in: (a) UP (b) Bihar (c) Punjab (d) Haryana
(a).
PrelimsCADP was launched in 1974-75 for water-use efficiency. True?
True.
Q186 · Q178 · Q171 · Q205 · Q182 · Q170 · Q187 · Q180
Arranged in chronological order of exam year in the Questions panel →
- Find one check-dam or pond renovated under a watershed scheme in your block.
- I can date CADP, AIBP, PMKSY.
- I know Hariyali, Neeru-Meeru, WDF, Jaldhara.
- I know UP leads tube-well irrigation.
- CADP 1974-75; AIBP 1996-97 (loans to States).
- PMKSY 1 July 2015, “Har Khet Ko Paani”.
- Hariyali 2003 (MoRD); Neeru-Meeru 2000 (AP).
- WDF 2000: ₹200 cr, 100 districts, 2/3 loans.
- UP: largest tube-well area.
- Ministry of Jal Shakti — PMKSY guidelines.
- NABARD — WDF; MoRD — Hariyali guidelines (2003).
- NCERT Class 10 Geography Ch 3.
- CADP 1974-75; AIBP 1996-97; PMKSY 2015.
- Hariyali (2003): watershed, MoRD, Panchayats.
- Neeru-Meeru: Andhra Pradesh, 2000.
- WDF: ₹200 crore; two-thirds loans.
- Question: Hariyali scheme relates to? Answer: Water (watershed) management.
- Question: Neeru-Meeru started in? Answer: Andhra Pradesh (2000).
- Question: State with most tube-well irrigated area? Answer: Uttar Pradesh.
MCQs — previous-year questions in exam-year order
Answer this question, then use Next.
PYQ · Q186 · R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999
Name the scheme run by the Central Government under which the pump sets are given to the farmers of the desert at nominal rent or lease:
PYQ · Q178 · U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009
Consider the following statements: 1. A watershed development fund has been established with a total corpus of Rs. 200 crores. 2. The objective is to undertake integrated watershed development work in selected 100 districts. 3. Under the scheme, two-third of amount is given for grant based projects in the State.
WDF 2000 (NABARD): Rs 100 cr MoA + Rs 100 cr NABARD; 2/3 loans, 1/3 grants.
PYQ · Q171 · U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
'Hariyali' is the programme associated with:
PYQ · Q205 · U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
In which of the following States 'Neeru-Meeru' water harvesting programme was launched in the year 2000?
PYQ · Q182 · I.A.S. (Pre) 2015
Consider the following statements: 1. Accelerated Irrigation Benefits programme was launched during 1996-97 to provide loan assistance to poor farmers. 2. Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974-75 for the development of water-use efficiency.
AIBP 1996-97: central loan to States (not farmers).
PYQ · Q170 · U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016
Hariyali Yojana is related to:
Jan 2003, PM Vajpayee; watershed/rainwater harvesting; MoRD via Panchayats.
PYQ · Q187 · U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2021; U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
In which of the following States, the area under Tube-well irrigation is the highest?
PYQ · Q180 · 67th B.P.S.C. (Pre) (Re-Exam) 2022
Which of the following is incorrect regarding the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana?
1 July 2015, 'Har Khet Ko Paani'; Jal Sanchay, Jal Sinchan, Per Drop More Crop.
One-liners
Write your answer, then submit to see the correct answer.
Hariyali scheme relates to?
Water (watershed) management.Neeru-Meeru started in?
Andhra Pradesh (2000).State with most tube-well irrigated area?
Uttar Pradesh.4B.4.2 Groundwater, solar pumps, soil health and sustainable agriculture
🏫 School → 🇮🇳 UPSC · NCERT-linked · latest official data
- School
- Class 10+2
- BPSC
- UPSC
- Know Atal Bhujal Yojana funding and States.
- Explain PM-KUSUM.
- Know what the Soil Health Card aims at.
- List NMSA components and RADP.
A farmer runs a diesel pump for 6 hours a day. Name a scheme that could cut his fuel bill to almost zero.
Show answer
PM-KUSUM — subsidised solar pumps and solar-powered feeders.
Half the money is a World Bank loan, half is from the Centre.
- Approved by the World Bank in June 2018; launched by PM on 25 Dec 2019, effective 1 April 2020; five years 2020-21 to 2024-25, extended by two more years.
- Aim: community-led, sustainable groundwater management in water-stressed areas.
📌 Solves: Q184, Q185
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan.
| Component | What |
|---|---|
| A | Small solar power plants (up to 2 MW) on farmers’ barren/fallow land |
| B | Stand-alone solar agriculture pumps |
| C | Solarising existing grid-connected pumps / feeders |
📌 Solves: Q175, Q176
Test the soil, then feed it what it needs.
| Claim | ✔/✘ |
|---|---|
| Expands irrigated area | ✘ |
| Helps banks size loans by soil quality | ✘ |
| Checks overuse of fertilisers via crop-wise nutrient advice | ✔ |
| Part | Status |
|---|---|
| Rainfed Area Development (RAD) | Now under RKVY |
| Soil Health Management (SHM) | Now under RKVY & SHC scheme |
| Sub-Mission on Agroforestry | NMSA |
| National Bamboo Mission | NMSA |
| Climate Change & Sustainable Agri: Monitoring, Modelling & Networking | NMSA |
| On-Farm Water Management (2014-15) | Moved into PMKSY – Per Drop More Crop in 2015-16 |
📌 Solves: Q102, Q156, Q179
Yes — under Component A (and solarised feeders) surplus power is sold to the DISCOM.
1 markPM-KUSUM is related to?
Solar pumps for farmers.
2 marksWhat does a Soil Health Card tell a farmer?
Nutrient status of the soil and crop-wise fertiliser doses.
PYQ patternRADP launched in: (a) 2008-09 (b) 2009-10 (c) 2010-11 (d) 2011-12
(d).
PrelimsAtal Bhujal Yojana is assisted by which bank?
World Bank.
Q179 · Q156 · Q184 · Q175 · Q185 · Q176 · Q102
Arranged in chronological order of exam year in the Questions panel →
- Get a soil sample tested (or read a sample Soil Health Card online) and list its 12 parameters.
- I know Atal Jal funding and States.
- I can explain PM-KUSUM.
- I know SHC’s aim.
- I can list NMSA parts.
- Atal Jal: ₹6,000 cr (WB ₹3,000 cr), 7 States, from 1 April 2020.
- PM-KUSUM 2019: solar pumps, end diesel use.
- SHC 19 Feb 2015, Suratgarh — curb fertiliser overuse.
- NMSA 2014-15; OFWM → PMKSY-PDMC 2015-16.
- RADP 2011-12 under RKVY.
- Ministry of Jal Shakti — Atal Bhujal guidelines; World Bank press release (June 2018).
- MNRE — PM-KUSUM guidelines.
- DA&FW — SHC, NMSA, RKVY.
- Atal Bhujal: ₹6,000 cr; World Bank loan ₹3,000 cr; 7 States.
- PM-KUSUM (2019): replace diesel pumps with solar.
- Soil Health Card (2015): check fertiliser overuse.
- NMSA: RAD, SHM, agroforestry, bamboo, climate; PMKSY not part.
- Question: Atal Bhujal Yojana launched with assistance of? Answer: World Bank.
- Question: Soil Health Card launched where? Answer: Suratgarh, Rajasthan (19 Feb 2015).
- Question: RADP launched in? Answer: 2011-12.
MCQs — previous-year questions in exam-year order
Answer this question, then use Next.
PYQ · Q179 · U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015
Rainfed Area Development Programme (RADP) was launched by the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Government of India in the year:
Sub-scheme of RKVY 2011-12.
PYQ · Q156 · I.A.S. (Pre) 2017
The nationwide 'Soil Health Card Scheme' aims at: 1. expanding the cultivable area under irrigation. 2. enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality. 3. checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.
Launched 19 Feb 2015, Suratgarh (Rajasthan).
PYQ · Q184 · 64th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018
In June 2018, how much amount the World Bank has approved for 'Atal Bhujal Yojna', an ambitious scheme of India?
Rs 6000 cr central sector scheme; World Bank loan Rs 3000 cr (US$450 mn) + Rs 3000 cr central. 2020-21 to 2024-25, 7 states (Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, MP, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, UP). Launched 25 Dec 2019 (w.e.f. 1 April 2020); extended two years.
PYQ · Q175 · 66th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2020
The objective of PM-KUSUM Scheme is:
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan, 2019; INDC 40% non-fossil capacity by 2030.
PYQ · Q185 · R.A.S./ R.T.S. (Pre) 2021
Atal Bhu-Jal Scheme was launched on 1 April, 2020 by Government of India, with assistance of:
PYQ · Q176 · Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2023
PM-KUSUM Scheme is related to:
PYQ · Q102 · Uttrakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2024
Which of the following programme is not associated with the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)?
NMSA from 2014-15: SHM, RAD, SMAF, NBM, CCSAMMN. RAD and SHM now under RKVY and SHC. OFWM subsumed into PDMC of PMKSY in 2015-16.
One-liners
Write your answer, then submit to see the correct answer.
Atal Bhujal Yojana launched with assistance of?
World Bank.Soil Health Card launched where?
Suratgarh, Rajasthan (19 Feb 2015).RADP launched in?
2011-12.4B.4.3 RKVY and the National Horticulture Mission
🏫 School → 🇮🇳 UPSC · NCERT-linked · latest official data
- School
- Class 10+2
- BPSC
- UPSC
- Trace RKVY’s funding pattern over time.
- Know RKVY’s components.
- Date NHM and place it in MIDH.
- Know which States NHM does not cover.
If a scheme is 100% paid by the Centre in 2010 but 60:40 in 2016, what changed?
Show answer
It moved from full central assistance to centre–state cost sharing after the 14th Finance Commission raised States’ tax share.
Same scheme, three funding stages.
| Period | Status | Centre : State |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 2007 – 2013-14 | Additional Central Assistance (ACA) to State Plans; ₹25,000 cr for 11th Plan | 100 : 0 |
| 2014-15 | Centrally Sponsored Scheme | 100 : 0 |
| 2015-16 onward | CSS | 60 : 40 (90 : 10 for NE & Himalayan States; 100% for UTs) |
| From 1 Nov 2017 | RKVY-RAFTAAR (Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation) | Same pattern |
📌 Solves: Q99, Q100
An umbrella — States choose projects.
Soil-test labs
Fertiliser QC labs
Farm-tools test labs
Agricultural engineering
Food crops, mechanisation, rainfed farming
📌 Solves: Q101
Started in the Tenth Plan, now one part of MIDH.
| Item | Answer |
|---|---|
| Covered State among J&K, Arunachal, UP, HP | Uttar Pradesh |
| Objectives | High horticulture growth, post-harvest management, human resource development |
| Not an objective | “Providing financial assistance” (it is a means, not an objective) |
📌 Solves: Q105, Q106, Q107, Q108
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (2014-15) — umbrella for NHM, HMNEH, National Horticulture Board, Coconut Development Board, CIH Nagaland.
1 markWhen was NHM launched?
May 2005.
2 marksFunding pattern of RKVY since 2015-16?
60:40; 90:10 NE & Himalayan; 100% UTs.
PYQ patternWhich State is covered under NHM? (a) J&K (b) Arunachal (c) UP (d) HP
(c).
PrelimsRKVY was launched in 2007-08 with ₹25,000 crore for the 11th Plan. True?
True.
Q99 · Q105 · Q100 · Q107 · Q108 · Q106 · Q101
Arranged in chronological order of exam year in the Questions panel →
- Find one RKVY project in your district on the State agriculture website.
- I can trace RKVY funding.
- I know RKVY-RAFTAAR.
- I know NHM’s year, MIDH and HMNEH.
- RKVY Aug 2007; ₹25,000 cr 11th Plan; 100% central till 2014-15.
- 60:40 from 2015-16; RAFTAAR from 1 Nov 2017.
- NHM May 2005 (10th Plan); MIDH 2014-15.
- NE & Himalayan States: HMNEH.
- DA&FW — RKVY-RAFTAAR guidelines; MIDH operational guidelines.
- RKVY launched Aug 2007; 100% central assistance till 2014-15.
- From 2015-16: 60:40 (90:10 NE & Himalayan).
- RKVY-RAFTAAR from 1 Nov 2017.
- NHM: May 2005; sub-scheme of MIDH since 2014-15.
- Question: RKVY funding pattern in 2010? Answer: 100% Centre.
- Question: NHM launched in? Answer: May 2005 (10th Plan).
- Question: Which states are outside NHM? Answer: North-Eastern and Himalayan states (under HMNEH).
MCQs — previous-year questions in exam-year order
Answer this question, then use Next.
PYQ · Q99 · U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009
Consider following statements about Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and state which one of them is incorrect?
Launched Aug 2007; Rs 25000 cr 11th Plan; ACA 100% central till 2013-14; CSS 2014-15 (100%); from 2015-16 60:40 (90:10 NE & Himalayan; 100% UTs). RKVY-RAFTAAR from 2017-18 (1.11.2017).
PYQ · Q105 · U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
National Horticulture Mission was launched in which of the following Five Year Plans?
May 2005, 10th Plan; now sub-scheme of MIDH (2014-15, 12th Plan); 18 States & 5 UTs.
PYQ · Q100 · U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl.) (Pre) 2010
For Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, which of the following funding pattern is correct? (State : Centre)
See Q99 (at that time).
PYQ · Q107 · U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
Which of the following States is covered under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM)?
NE & Himalayan states under HMNEH.
PYQ · Q108 · U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl.) (Mains) 2010
Which one of the followings is not the objectives of 'National Horticulture Mission'?
PYQ · Q106 · U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016
When was the National Horticulture Mission started?
See Q105.
PYQ · Q101 · Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Which is not included in 'National Agricultural Development Yojna'?
All under RKVY.
One-liners
Write your answer, then submit to see the correct answer.
RKVY funding pattern in 2010?
100% Centre.NHM launched in?
May 2005 (10th Plan).Which states are outside NHM?
North-Eastern and Himalayan states (under HMNEH).