The Centrally-sponsored Command Area Development (CAD) Programme was launched in 1974-75, with the main objectives of improving the utilisation of created irrigation potential and optimising agriculture production and productivity from irrigated agriculture through a multi-disciplinary team under an Area Development Authority.

The CAD programme was initiated with 60 major and medium irrigation projects. So far 310 irrigation projects with a Culturable Command Area (CCA) of about 28.45 mha have been included under the programme, out of which 133 projects are currently under implementation.

Based on suggestions received from beneficiaries and implementing agencies and recommendations of the Working Groups of the Planning Commission on ‘Command Area Development Programme’ and ‘Private/ Beneficiary participation in the irrigation management’ for tenth plan, the CAD Programme has been restructured and renamed as "Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM)" Programme from 1 April 2004.

The Programme involves execution of On-Farm Development (OFD) works like construction of field channels and field drains, reclamation of water logged areas, renovation and rehabilitation of MI tanks, correction of system deficiency above outlets up to distributaries of 4.25 cumec (150 cusec) capacity. The Programme also involves software activities like adaptive trials, demonstrations, training of farmers, evaluation studies, etc. Central assistance of 50 per cent (limited to the prescribed cost norms) is provided to the State governments for construction activities and of 75 per cent for the software activities. Warabandi or a rotation system of distribution of irrigation water in order to ensure equitable and timely supply of water to all the farm holdings of the command is also a component of the programme.

The National Water Policy-2002 stresses participatory approach in water resources management. It has been recognised that participation of beneficiaries will help greatly for the optimal upkeep of irrigation system and utilisation of irrigation water. The participation of farmers in the management of irrigation would give responsibility for operation and maintenance and collection of water charges from the areas under the jurisdiction of the Water Users Association, a one-time functional grant of Rs. 600 per ha. to be shared by the Centre, State and farmers at the rate of Rs. 270:270:60 respectively is being provided, under the restructured programme. Moreover, minimum contribution of 10 per cent for beneficiaries has been made mandatory in the cost of construction of field channels, full package OFD works, reclamation of water logged areas and renovation of MI tanks.

The evaluation made in the past has revealed that the CAD Programme made positive impact on various important indicators, like increase in the irrigated area, productivity and production, irrigation efficiency, etc. Despite best efforts for efficient irrigation water management, the problem of water logging has surfaced in many irrigated Commands. Under the component on reclamation of water logged areas, 445 schemes of nine States, namely, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh have been approved till now at an estimated cost of Rs. 45.18 crore for reclamation of 57700 ha. of water logged area. Out of this, an area of about 46466 ha. has been reclaimed by these states up to March 2005. Further revamping of the programme for XI plan is under consideration.