Motivated by Krishi Karman award conferred on State government Enthused by the Krishi Karman award conferred on the State government for achieving milestones in food production, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Sunday announced Rs. 99 crore for the command area development and water management (CADWM) programme in Villupuram, Cuddalore and Tiruvannamalai districts. An official release said the CADWM programme was already being implemented in areas irrigated by Vaigai dam, Kodagar reservoir, Varadma nathi and Kaligarayan dam. Now, the scheme would be extended to Villupuram, Cuddalore and Tiruvannamalai districts. Manimuktha Dam project In the first phase, the government would spend a total of Rs 21.19 crore. A sum of Rs 6.52 crore would be set apart for the Manimuktha Dam project that would benefit 3,200 hectares. The government would also spend Rs 4.89 crore each for Bilanthurai, Ellis and Cheyyar Dams respectively, benefitting 2,400 hectares each. With a view to encouraging mechanisation in agriculture, the government would train 300 rural youth in handling and repairing various modern equipments. Training The training would be provided through the Agricultural Engineering Department in Coimbatore, Madurai, Vellore, Tiruchi, Tiruvarur and Tirunelveli districts. A total of Rs 42.90 lakh had been allotted for the purpose.