(a) whether it is true that only 38% of water efficiency is prevalent in agriculture, in the country and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Ministry has a separate department relating to irrigation project management and if so, the details thereof;
(c) the measures taken by the Government in consultation with the State Government of Punjab for effective conservation of water for agricultural purposes; and
(d) the amount spent by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a): As per Twelfth Five Year Plan document published in May 2013, Central Water Commission (CWC) carried out study on water use efficiency in completed major and medium irrigation projects. According to the study the water use efficiency in agriculture in India is around 38 per cent. The summary of results of the study is Annexed.
(b): No Madam, Water Resources Projects are planned, funded, executed and maintained by the State Governments themselves as per their own resources and priority. In order to supplement their efforts, the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (MoWR, RD &GR) provides technical and financial assistance to State Governments to encourage sustainable development and efficient management of water resources/irrigation projects through various schemes and programmes such as Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
(c) & (d): The Government of India is promoting Micro Irrigation viz. Drip & Sprinkler systems for efficient use of water in agriculture under the ‘Per Drop More Crop’ component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in the country including the State of Punjab. Besides, underground pipeline system is also being promoted to enhance water conveyance efficiency, preserve ground water resource and to provide alternate source of irrigation in the form of treated waste water in Punjab under Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and Crop Diversification Programme. During the current year, Government of India share of Rs. 24.36 crore and State share of Rs. 33.87 Crore has been spent up to January, 2019 in Punjab.