Daily Current Affairs 31 August 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 31 August 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

India’s Soft Power And Creative Economy

Source: Indian Express
GS II: International Relations, GS III: Employment, Inclusive Growth

Why in the News?

The Indian Express article, focuses on strengthening India’s soft power by converting its rich cultural assets into global influence, economic opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.

News in Brief

• Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the Saptadhara concept from the Red Fort on 15 August, envisioning seven streams of national strength that can contribute to achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat.
• India already possesses significant soft-power assets, including civilisation, culture, Yoga, Ayurveda, festivals, literature, music, dance, cinema, cuisine and handicrafts.
• The key challenge is the absence of a coherent system to convert cultural assets into economic value, global influence and sustainable livelihoods.
• The article proposes District-level plans can link cultural workers with skills, technology, finance, IPR and markets, promoting creative-sector employment, targeting 1 crore jobs, with Indian missions enabling global market access.

What is Soft Power?

• Soft power is a country’s ability to influence other nations through attraction and persuasion rather than through military force or economic pressure.
• American political scientist Joseph S. Nye Jr. developed the concept in the late 1980s.
• Main Sources of Soft Power
  • Culture and values- Shared beliefs, traditions, and political ideals.
  • Public engagement- Education, arts, entertainment, tourism, and sports.
  • Innovation- Technology, science, and foreign policy choices
• For India, soft power can become an important instrument of diplomacy, economic development, and global influence.

India’s Soft Power Potential

India can use its rich history and modern progress as a key diplomatic tool for global influence and economic growth.

• Civilizational Heritage– India’s long history creates a deep, lasting foundation for global cultural respect.
• Yoga- This practice connects people worldwide to Indian traditions, boosts wellness tourism, and promotes healthy living.
• Ayurveda- India’s traditional medical system opens new doors in global healthcare, education, and wellness travel.
• Festivals– Celebrations highlight community, harmony, and cultural renewal, while having considerable potential for cultural tourism,
• Literature, Music, and Dance- Classical and folk arts transcend linguistic and geographical boundaries to share Indian culture globally.
• Cinema– Indian films have a massive international audience, driving cultural diplomacy and the creative economy.
• Cuisine- Indian food is recognized worldwide, helping build cultural ties, support local jobs, and increase food tourism.
• Handicrafts and Handlooms– Traditional skills passed down through generations create global demand and support local artisans.
• Democracy and Technology- India’s strong democratic institutions, space missions, and digital public infrastructure greatly enhance its international reputation.

Why Culture does not equal Economic Value

• India has a rich cultural heritage, but its full potential as a source of income, employment and global influence remains largely untapped.
• Many artists, artisans and cultural practitioners still face limited access to markets, finance, technology and institutional support.
• Simply preserving cultural traditions is not enough.
• India needs to connect its cultural strengths with modern skills, markets and technology so that they generate sustainable livelihoods while strengthening the country’s soft power.

Saptadhara: Proposed Approach

The Saptadhara approach aims to use India’s cultural strengths not only for cultural preservation but also for employment, livelihoods and global influence.

District-Level Approach

• Each district can identify its local artists, artisans, cultural practitioners and traditional art forms and connect them with,

Training → Technology → Finance → IPR protection → Markets

• This can help local cultural skills reach wider markets and create sustainable livelihoods.

Reviving the Guru-Shishya Tradition

• The traditional guru-shishya system can be combined with modern training and technology.
• Experienced practitioners can train young people, helping preserve traditional knowledge while creating new opportunities for the next generation.

Role of Schools and Universities

• Educational institutions can expose students to India’s diverse cultural traditions and heritage.
• This can encourage cultural awareness, skill development and interest in creative careers.

Soft Power and Employment

• Soft power should not be viewed only as an instrument of diplomacy.
• India’s cultural strengths can also support the creative economy.
• It can become a significant employment and economic-growth sector.
• Sectors include tourism, cinema, music, fashion, education, handicrafts, media and wellness.
• These sectors have the potential to generate millions of jobs while promoting Indian culture globally, if supported through appropriate policies.

Role of Government

• The government should focus on creating an enabling ecosystem rather than relying only on grants.
• Key areas include:
  • Providing initial financial and institutional support.
  • Improving quality and authenticity standards.
  • Connecting creators with domestic and international markets.
  • Using technology to expand market access.
  • Strengthening IPR protection.
  • Helping cultural workers become financially self-reliant rather than depending permanently on grants.

Suggested National Mission

• A national mission could target 1 crore new jobs across tourism, arts, media and the creative economy.
• District-level plans can identify local cultural strengths and connect them with tourism, markets and employment opportunities.

Role of Indian Missions Abroad

• Indian missions can support the international expansion of India’s cultural and creative industries by facilitating market access, cultural exchanges, collaborations and promotion of Indian products and businesses.

Youth and Technology

• Young people can become both preservers and innovators of Indian culture by combining traditional knowledge with digital platforms, social media, animation, gaming, film, e-commerce and emerging technologies.
• This can take Indian stories and traditions to wider global audiences.

From Kala to Global Influence

• The central idea should be to make,

Kala (Art) → Kaushal (Skill) → Kamai (Income) → Rozgar (Employment) → Bazaar (Market) → Vishva Prabhav (Global Influence)

• In essence, Saptadhara seeks to turn India’s cultural capital into skills, livelihoods, markets and greater global influence.

Conclusion

India’s rich cultural heritage can become a powerful source of employment, economic opportunity, and global influence. The Saptadhara approach can help bridge the gap between cultural preservation and economic development by connecting traditional skills with modern technology, markets, and youth.

This can strengthen India’s soft power while advancing  the vision of Viksit Bharat.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

With reference to India’s soft power and the Saptadhara approach, consider the following statements:

1. Soft power primarily relies on attraction and persuasion rather than coercion.
2. Yoga, Ayurveda, cinema, cuisine and handicrafts can contribute to India’s soft power.
3. The proposed approach envisages connecting cultural workers with training, finance, technology and markets.
4. Saptadhara seeks to preserve and strengthen India’s existing cultural traditions, while connecting them with modern technology, finance and markets. 

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

Mains Practice Question

Q. India possesses immense cultural resources, but its soft-power potential remains underutilized. In this context, discuss how the Saptadhara approach can strengthen India’s soft power while creating sustainable livelihoods and employment. (250 words)

Data-Driven Fertilizer Management

Source: PIB
GS III: Agriculture- e-technology in aid of farmers, Technology Missions

Why in the News?

The Integrated Fertilizer Management System (iFMS) has entered a new phase with enhanced digital initiatives aimed at improving transparency, fertilizer availability, and data-driven monitoring of the fertilizer supply chain.

News in Brief

• iFMS is evolving from a transaction-recording system into a broader decision-support platform for fertilizer governance.
• Data analytics is being used to study fertilizer consumption across crops, landholding categories, districts and buyer groups, enabling more targeted monitoring.
• The Framework for Fertilizer Sale (FFS) is being implemented in phases, allowing authorities to assess booking behaviour, consumption patterns and operational challenges before wider rollout.
• The broader initiative seeks to shift fertilizer governance from simply tracking transactions to understanding availability, movement, purchasing and consumption in their agricultural context.

Integrated Fertilizer Management System (iFMS)

• iFMS, developed and technically supported by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) for the Department of Fertilizers, connects fertilizer production, imports, movement, stocks availability, retail sales and subsidy processing.
• It functions as the digital backbone of fertilizer management in India.
• It covers 14+ crore Aadhaar-linked fertilizer buyers, 2.5+ lakh retailers and around 7 crore metric tonnes of annual fertilizer sales transactions, while supporting nearly ₹2 lakh crore of annual fertilizer subsidy administration.
• The system has evolved from merely recording fertilizer transactions into an integrated monitoring and decision-support platform.

Data Analytics for Fertilizer Management

• New dashboards and analytical tools provide officials with information on,
  • Fertilizer production and imports
  • Dispatches and movement
  • Stock availability
  • Retail sales
  • Fertilizer purchases by buyer category
  • Landholding size
  • Crop and district
  • Fertilizer type
• This allows authorities to identify unusual trends and emerging supply situations at an early stage.

Integration with farmer, land and crop data

• iFMS is being linked with agricultural databases maintained by States and government platforms.
• Integration with Meri Fasal Mera Byora (MFMB) in Haryana and subsequent work towards integration with AgriStack established mechanisms for linking fertilizer transactions with farmer and agricultural information.
• This can help understand fertilizer requirements and consumption in relation to actual agricultural conditions.

Framework for Fertilizer Sales (FFS)

• The Framework for Fertilizer Sale (FFS) brings a digital booking facility into the existing iFMS Point of Sale system.
• Under this framework, farmers can book fertilizer after their details are verified through AgriStack.
• How it works:
  • AgriStack ID → Verification of land and ownership → Fertilizer booking through mobile app → QR-based booking → Verification at PoS → Purchase
• The system also helps authorities understand fertilizer use more closely, including,
  • Fertilizer consumption per hectare
  • Fertilizer use by different landholding sizes
  • Crop-wise and product-wise fertilizer consumption
  • Whether the quantity booked matches the quantity actually purchased.

Digital Monitoring of Fertilizer Movement

• Strengthened through Vehicle Location Tracking System (VLTS), this initiative is intended to provide improved visibility of fertilizer movement by linking dispatch information with vehicle-location data.
• It helps:
  • Track fertilizer consignments during transit
  • Identify delays
  • Detect unusual movement patterns
  • Monitor movement from dispatch point to destination
  • Improve availability at intended destinations.

Electronic Fertilizer Subsidy Processing

• Fertilizer subsidy payments are linked to actual sales recorded through the PoS network.
• Integration with Public Financial Management System, PFMS/e-Bill processes helps:
  • Reduce manual intervention
  • Improve traceability
  • Digitally monitor subsidy claims and payments
  • Strengthen verification and auditability
  • Improve efficiency of subsidy processing.

Significance

The overall objective is to ensure timely fertilizer availability, greater transparency and more informed management of agricultural inputs.

Digitalization of Fertilizer Governance

• Digital tools are making fertilizer management more systematic and transparent.
• This can help governments,
  • Forecast demand → Track supply → Monitor stocks → Verify sales → Analyse consumption → Process subsidy
• Thus, technology can support both fertilizer availability and efficient public expenditure management.

Conclusion

The evolution of iFMS marks an important step towards more transparent and data-driven fertilizer management. By integrating information across the fertilizer supply chain and agricultural databases, it can help ensure timely availability, better monitoring and more efficient subsidy management.

The focus should now be on improving data quality and ensuring that digital systems ultimately support the genuine needs of farmers.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Integrated Fertilizer Management System (iFMS):

1. It connects fertilizer production, imports, movement, stocks, retail sales and subsidy processing.
2. It is technically supported by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
3. The Framework for Fertilizer Sale enables fertilizer booking through an AgriStack-linked farmer identity.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the role of digital technology in improving agricultural input management in India. What are the key challenges in ensuring its effective implementation. (250 words)

India-Uzbekistan Relations

Source: PIB
GS II: Bilateral Relations

Why in the News?

Recently Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a state visit to Uzbekistan at the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

News in Brief

• During the visit, both sides reviewed bilateral relations and agreed to further deepen cooperation with the objective of elevating the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
• Cooperation is set to expand in critical minerals, renewable energy, nuclear energy, transport connectivity and agricultural value chains.
• Uzbekistan reaffirmed its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

Political Parliamentary and Security Cooperation

• Both countries agreed to establish Foreign Ministers led mechanism to coordinate implementation of bilateral agreements.
• The leaders acknowledged the growing parliamentary diplomacy.
• India and Uzbekistan agreed to review and modernise their existing bilateral legal and treaty framework to align it with contemporary priorities.
• Both sides adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, and called for coordinated action against terrorist organisations, their financing networks, safe havens and infrastructure.
• They emphasised stronger cooperation in law enforcement, intelligence sharing and countering violent extremism, drug trafficking, organised crime and cyber threats.
• Both countries reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation through the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism.
• India and Uzbekistan agreed to strengthen defence and security cooperation through regular exchanges, institutional mechanisms, capacity-building and joint activities.
• The Joint Working Group on Military Cooperation is exploring new avenues of cooperation in the defence industrial sector.
• Both sides welcomed the successful conduct of the India–Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise “Dustlik”, with the latest edition held in Namangan Region, Uzbekistan, in April 2026.
• The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Central Asia–India format and continuing consultations on regional issues.

Trade, Economic and Investment Cooperation

• India and Uzbekistan identified significant untapped potential in bilateral trade and investment and agreed to diversify trade by exploring new opportunities.
• Both sides will work to broaden the range of traded goods, remove non-tariff barriers and promote industrial cooperation.
• Cooperation will be strengthened in e-commerce, digitalisation of trade procedures and digital platforms for MSMEs to facilitate bilateral trade.
• India supported Uzbekistan’s WTO accession, while both sides reaffirmed the importance of a rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, particularly for developing countries.
• Both countries agreed to strengthen manufacturing and export capacities, promote regulatory dialogue and explore mutual recognition arrangements for greater market access.
• Cooperation will focus on Electrical goods, Engineering products, Automobiles and Pharmaceuticals, along with stronger business-to-business linkages.
• Invest India and Uzbekistan’s Investment Promotion Agency will explore investment opportunities through business forums, roadshows and investment seminars to facilitate two-way investment flows.
• Following the Joint Feasibility Study on an India–Uzbekistan Preferential Trade Agreement, both sides agreed to explore the next steps on a time-bound basis.

Energy, Natural Resources and Supply Chains Cooperation

• India and Uzbekistan agreed to advance cooperation in renewable energy, energy infrastructure modernization and investment projects.
• Cooperation will be explored in geology, mining, nuclear energy, industrial cooperation, and critical and strategic minerals.
• The partnership will cover mineral processing, production of value-added products and recycling, promoting greater value addition.
• Both sides expressed interest in greater participation of Indian companies in Uzbekistan’s mineral deposits and collaboration by Uzbek enterprises in India.
• India and Uzbekistan agreed to expand cooperation in critical minerals through joint projects covering geological exploration, mining, mineral processing and integrated value chains.
• Both sides also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Agriculture and Food Security Cooperation

• India and Uzbekistan agreed to strengthen cooperation in agricultural value chains, export capabilities and technical capacity in the agriculture and livestock sectors.
• Both sides will promote innovation and resource-efficient technologies to strengthen agricultural productivity and food security.
• Cooperation in agricultural science and research will be expanded, including through multilateral and regional platforms to promote modern and sustainable agriculture.
• Both countries agreed to facilitate bilateral trade in agricultural products.
• Cooperation between research institutions and enterprises will be strengthened to improve agricultural productivity and promote the conservation and sustainable utilisation of plant genetic resources.

Transport, Logistics and Connectivity Cooperation

• India and Uzbekistan agreed to strengthen transport and logistics connectivity through the development of multimodal transport routes and logistics corridors for seamless movement of goods.
• Both sides will continue efforts to restore freight transportation with the objective of reducing transportation costs.
• Cooperation will be expanded through technical expertise in advanced road-construction technologies and joint projects for the reconstruction and modernisation of road infrastructure.
• The two countries also agreed to explore environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solutions for Uzbekistan’s public transport sector.

Digital Technologies, Innovation and Space Cooperation

• India and Uzbekistan agreed to expand cooperation among technology parks, companies, startups and educational institutions.
• The first IT Park in Tashkent, established in 2019, was based on the Indian model with active support from the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI).
• Both sides will strengthen cooperation in high technologies and digital transformation, including implementation of understandings reached during the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
• Cooperation will focus on developing safe, secure and trustworthy AI systems, including exchange of experiences and best practices.
• The partnership aims to leverage AI for sustainable economic growth, innovation-led development, and addressing societal challenges.
• India and Uzbekistan also agreed to expand cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, including space applications, scientific-data exchange, joint workshops and training.

Education, Health, Culture and People-to-people Cooperation

• Indian students and educational exchanges contribute to strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Uzbekistan.
• Both sides agreed to expand India Studies in Uzbekistan and Uzbek Studies in India, along with joint research and academic cooperation.
• Human-resource development cooperation covers medicine, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, nanotechnology and biotechnology.
• Over 2,700 Uzbek nationals have participated in the ITEC Programme, while more than 400 Uzbek students have received ICCR scholarships, including AYUSH scholarships.
• Uzbekistan also welcomed the Lal Bahadur Shastri Scholarship for Hindi Language.

Environment and Healthcare

• India and Uzbekistan will cooperate in the greening and ecological rehabilitation of the Aral Sea region.
• India will provide US$1 million, along with technical support, under its Grant-in-Aid framework.
• Cooperation will expand in public health, biomedical research and medical innovation.
• The Tashkent Pharma Park is envisaged as a platform for pharmaceutical manufacturing, investment, technology transfer, production localisation and skilled workforce development.
• Both sides supported the establishment of medical centres, laboratories, research institutions and joint pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprises in Uzbekistan with Indian participation.

Culture, Heritage, Sports and Traditional Medicines

• India and Uzbekistan will strengthen cultural cooperation through cultural days, festivals, exhibitions and artistic exchanges.
• The Cultural Exchange Programme 2026–2030 and cooperation in archives were welcomed.
• Both sides will cooperate in the preservation, restoration and promotion of World Heritage sites, including digitalisation and 3D modelling of archaeological artefacts.
• A Letter of Intent covers conservation and restoration of the ancient Buddhist sites of Fayaz Tepa and Karatepa.
• Sports cooperation includes badminton, archery and chess, particularly athlete preparation and coach training.
• India and Uzbekistan will promote yoga, including instructor training through the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan and India’s Ministry of AYUSH.
• Both sides also welcomed an MoU on cooperation in traditional medicines.

International Cooperation

• India and Uzbekistan reaffirmed the central role of the United Nations in maintaining global peace and security and agreed to strengthen cooperation in the UN and other international and regional organisations.
• Both sides called for comprehensive UN reforms, including reform of the UN Security Council, to make it more representative, effective and reflective of contemporary global realities.
• Uzbekistan reaffirmed its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
• The two countries agreed to strengthen coordination in international forums to advance the common interests of the Global South.
• Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), particularly in regional peace and security, trade, investment and cultural cooperation.
• Uzbekistan expressed interests in joining the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)and International Solar Alliance (ISA), with India indicating readiness to facilitate the necessary accession processes.

Conclusion

India-Uzbekistan relations are evolving into a multidimensional strategic partnership encompassing security, trade, connectivity, critical minerals, technology and people-to-people ties.

Strengthening these areas can deepen India’s engagement with Central Asia and advance shared interests in regional stability and sustainable development.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements:

1. India–Uzbekistan cooperation on critical minerals can contribute to diversification of India’s mineral supply chains.
2. Cooperation in multimodal transport routes can help address connectivity constraints between India and Central Asia.
3. Uzbekistan’s support for India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council represents convergence in multilateral diplomacy.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Mains Practice Question

Q. India’s engagement with Uzbekistan with is increasingly moving beyond traditional diplomatic cooperation towards strategic, economic and technological partnership. Discuss the significance and challenges of deepening India-Uzbekistan relations. (250 words)

Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)

Source: PIB
GS III: Agriculture- Different Types of Irrigation and Irrigation Systems

Why in the News?

The PIB recently highlighted the progress of the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme in promoting micro-irrigation and improving water-use efficiency in Indian Agriculture.

News in Brief

• Since its inception, 115 lakh hectares have been brought under micro-irrigation; in 2025–26, 12.30 lakh farmers benefited.
• Small and marginal farmers receive 55% financial assistance, while other farmers receive 45%, for micro-irrigation systems covering up to five hectares.
• Since 2022–23, PDMC has been implemented under Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY).

Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)

• More than 80% of India’s available water resources are used for agricultural irrigation, while only about half of the net sown area has irrigation facilities.
• This makes improving water-use efficiency an important priority.
• Micro-irrigation helps address this challenge by delivering water directly to crops with minimal losses.
• The government is implementing the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme to promote efficient water use at the farm level.
• It is a centrally sponsored scheme.
• It supports micro-irrigation systems- drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation.

Objectives

• The PDMC scheme promotes precision water management to enhance crop productivity and increase farmers’ incomes.
• The scheme also promotes fertigation to improve nutrient application efficiency and prioritizes water-scarce and groundwater-stressed regions.
  • Fertigation is the process of applying fertilizers with irrigation water directly to the region where most of the plant’s roots develop.
• It also encourages the integration of micro-irrigation with tube wells, river-lift and solar-powered irrigation systems, along with convergence with other government programmes and technological advancements.

Benefits of Micro-Irrigation

• Micro-irrigation enables efficient use of water by delivering it directly to the plant root zone, reducing wastage and improving irrigation efficiency.
• It lowers the use of water, energy, fertilizers, and labour while supporting better crop growth and higher productivity through the precise application of water and nutrients.
• The technology also encourages the cultivation of horticultural crops, improves cropping intensity, and brings marginal lands under productive use.
• By reducing input costs and enhancing farm returns, micro-irrigation contributes to sustainable agriculture, strengthens farmers’ livelihoods, and promotes long-term food and nutritional security.

Progress in Micro-Irrigation

• PDMC has expanded micro-irrigation across India, with Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Rajasthan among the leading States.
• The scheme has also benefited many farmers, including a significant share of women beneficiaries.
• Reported results shows that replacing flood irrigation with drip irrigation can improve productivity, reduce cultivation costs and raise farm income through efficient water and nutrient management.
• The revised guidelines also give States and UTs greater flexibility to undertake farm ponds, diggis and water-harvesting measures, helping ensure reliable water availability for micro-irrigation based on local needs.

Types of Micro-Irrigation Systems

Drip Irrigation System

• Drip irrigation delivers water slowly and directly to the root zone through small outlets called emitters fitted on thin pipes.
• This minimizes water wastage and improves irrigation efficiency.
• Types
  • On-line drip irrigation- Drippers are installed along the pipe according to the location of individual plants. It is suitable for unevenly spaced crops.
  • In-line drip irrigation- Drippers are built into the pipe at fixed intervals, providing water more uniformly to plants.

Sprinkler Irrigation System

• Sprinkler irrigation discharges water under pressure through nozzles into the air, simulating rainfall and distributing water over the crop. It is particularly suitable for high-density crops and is used for cereals, pulses, seeds, spices and field crops.
• Types
  • Portable Sprinklers- Pipes can be shifted to different parts of the field according to crop water requirements; suitable for plains and undulating terrain.
  • Micro Sprinklers- Low-radius sprinklers mainly used for leafy vegetables, nurseries and hardening of seedlings; they can also modify the microclimate around plants.
  • Mini Sprinklers- Used for close-growing crops such as groundnut, potato, onion and ginger; also useful for frost protection.
  • Semi-Permanent Sprinklers- Main and lateral pipes are permanently installed underground, while sprinkler nozzles can be moved to different locations.
  • Large Volume Sprinklers (Rain-Guns)- Used for covering large areas quickly; they operate with high pressure and high discharge and are suitable for crops spread over large areas.

PDMC under PM-RKVY

• The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) was restructured in October 2024 as an umbrella scheme incorporating nine schemes.
• It covers areas such as,
  • Per Drop More Crop
  • Agricultural mechanisation
  • Soil health management
  • Crop diversification
  • Agri-startup accelerator fund
• A major feature is greater flexibility for states to reallocate funds between components according to local agricultural requirements.

Implementation Framework of PDMC

• Since PDMC is implemented under PM-RKVY, it follows the scheme’s institutional architecture.
• The framework combines national-level strategic direction with state-level planning and district-level implementation, enabling decentralized execution of micro-irrigation programmes.
• National Level: The National Stewardship Council (NSC) provides strategic direction for guidance and planning.
• State Level:
  • State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC): Approves plans.
  • Inter-Departmental Working Group (IDWG): Coordinates planning and implementation across departments.
  • District Level: The District Level Implementation Committee (DLIC) oversees execution and ensures inter-departmental coordination.

Conclusion

The Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme marks a shift towards efficient and sustainable water management in agriculture. By promoting micro-irrigation, fertigation and local water conservation, it can improve farm productivity while reducing pressure on scarce water resources.

Strengthening adoption and region-specific implementation will be crucial for building water-secure and climate-resilient agriculture.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

With reference to the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme, consider the following statements:

1. It promotes both drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.
2. Small and marginal farmers receive 55% financial assistance under the scheme.
3. Assistance for the same land can be received again only after seven years.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d) 1,2 and 3

Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the significance of micro-irrigation in promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in India. (250 words)

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