Parliament Question: Survey on Condition of Farmers affected by Droughts

**Executive Summary** This is an answer given in response to an unstarred question in Lok Sabha. It addresses the condition of farmers affected by droughts in the Banda and Chitrakoot districts of Uttar Pradesh. The answer outlines actions taken by the State and Central Governments to address water scarcity and improve agricultural productivity in the region, including the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and other related schemes. The answer was due on February 3, 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Drought Survey and Relief:** * The State Government of Uttar Pradesh conducts surveys of farms in case of drought, heavy rainfall, or other natural calamities. * Farmers are provided with relief according to government orders and established procedure, or assisted under PMFBY. * The response states that there is no drought in Banda or Chitrakoot. * **Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY):** * The Government of India launched the PMKSY in FY 2015-16 to enhance physical access of water on farms. * Aims to expand cultivable area under assured irrigation, improve on-farm water use efficiency, and introduce sustainable water conservation practices. * Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP) is a component of PMKSY. * **Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI) and Repair, Renovation & Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies:** * The SMI and RRR schemes are now part of PMKSY-HKKP. * DoWR, RD&GR under the Ministry of Jal Shakti provides Central Assistance (CA) to States for creation and restoration of Irrigation Potential (I.P.) under these schemes. * **PMKSY-HKKP Continuation and Budget:** * The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of PMKSY-HKKP for FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26 in Dec 2021 with a budget outlay of Rs. 4580 crores. * Targets an irrigation potential of 4.50 lakh-ha for SMI and RRR of WBs schemes. * The Department of Expenditure (DoE), Ministry of Finance, allocated an additional Rs. 900 crores for the SMI and RRR of Water Bodies components under the PMKSY-HKKP in January 2025. * **Other Schemes:** * Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana is being operated in both the districts of Banda and Chitrakoot to increase farmer's income, agricultural productivity, and the rural economy. * The State Government of Uttar Pradesh is implementing the National Food Security & Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) - Coarse Cereals and NFSNM -Nutri Cereals in Banda and Chitrakoot Districts of UP. **Impact Analysis** **Farmers in Banda and Chitrakoot Districts:** * **Impact:** Farmers are affected by drought, deficient rainfall, and water scarcity and will benefit from surveys conducted, relief provided, and assistance under PMFBY in cases of natural calamity. Additionally, they may experience improved access to irrigation, enhanced water use efficiency, and increased agricultural productivity through the PMKSY, related schemes, and the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana. * **Action Required:** Participate in surveys conducted by the State Government. Adhere to government orders and established procedures for relief and assistance. Engage with PMKSY and other initiatives to improve farming practices and water conservation. **State Government of Uttar Pradesh (Departments of Agriculture and Revenue):** * **Impact:** Required to conduct surveys of farms in cases of drought, heavy rainfall, or other natural calamities. Implementing relief measures and administering assistance to affected farmers according to government orders and established procedures. Implementing the National Food Security & Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) - Coarse Cereals and NFSNM -Nutri Cereals in Banda and Chitrakoot Districts of UP. * **Action Required:** Conduct surveys as necessary. Ensure proper implementation of relief and assistance programs. Actively participate in PMKSY and related schemes. Implement the National Food Security & Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) - Coarse Cereals and NFSNM -Nutri Cereals in Banda and Chitrakoot Districts of UP. **Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (Government of India):** * **Impact:** Responsible for the implementation and funding of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and related schemes. * **Action Required:** Ensure effective implementation of PMKSY, including HKKP, SMI, and RRR components. Allocate funds and monitor the progress of the schemes. **Ministry of Jal Shakti (DoWR, RD&GR):** * **Impact:** Responsible for providing Central Assistance (CA) to States for the creation and restoration of Irrigation Potential (I.P.) under the SMI and RRR of Water Bodies schemes. * **Action Required:** Provide Central Assistance to States for irrigation projects. Monitor the progress of these projects and ensure efficient use of funds.

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