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SIGNUP

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

At a glance

PMKSY, launched in 2015, is the central government's umbrella irrigation programme. Its motto is "Har Khet Ko Pani" (water to every field) and "Per Drop More Crop" (more output per drop). It bundles big canal projects, minor irrigation, watershed restoration, and — most directly for individual farmers — subsidies for drip and sprinkler (micro-irrigation) systems. The Cabinet approved PMKSY's continuation for 2021-26 with an outlay of Rs 93,068 crore.

Who is eligible

  • Micro-irrigation (Per Drop More Crop / PDMC): all farmers installing drip or sprinkler systems on their land. Small and marginal farmers (holding up to 2 hectares) get the higher subsidy rate. Applications go through your state agriculture/horticulture department.
  • Other components (canal projects, water bodies, watershed development) benefit farmers collectively through their state's projects rather than individual applications.

Benefits

  • Per Drop More Crop — micro-irrigation subsidy:
    • 55% of the system cost for small and marginal farmers
    • 45% for other farmers
    • Many states add their own top-up subsidy on top of these central rates — check your state's scheme.
  • Drip/sprinkler systems cut water use, reduce fertilizer cost (through fertigation), and typically raise yields.
  • AIBP (Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme): central support of Rs 37,454 crore for 2021-26 to finish major/medium irrigation projects, targeting 13.88 lakh hectares of new irrigation potential.
  • Har Khet Ko Pani: command area development, surface minor irrigation, repair/renovation/restoration of water bodies, and groundwater development.
  • Watershed Development: projects covering 49.5 lakh hectares of rainfed/degraded land during 2021-26, including 2.5 lakh hectares of new protective irrigation.

How to apply

  1. For a drip or sprinkler subsidy, apply to your state agriculture or horticulture department — most states run an online micro-irrigation portal; you can also apply through the district agriculture office or a Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
  2. Choose a system from an empanelled supplier/manufacturer listed by your state.
  3. After installation and inspection, the subsidy is paid (to you or the supplier, depending on the state's process).
  4. Procedures and portals differ by state — confirm your state's exact steps before purchasing equipment.

Documents required

Typical requirements (state lists vary):

  • Aadhaar card
  • Land records (khasra/khatauni or state equivalent)
  • Bank passbook
  • Passport-size photo
  • Caste certificate, if claiming a category-specific state top-up
  • Water source/electricity details for the pump, where asked

Key dates & status

  • Launched: 1 July 2015.
  • December 2021: Cabinet approved PMKSY 2021-26 with Rs 93,068 crore.
  • From 2022-23, the Per Drop More Crop component is implemented under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare; the subsidy structure for farmers continues.
  • Active and open — apply through your state's current-year programme.

Common questions

Q: How much subsidy do I get on a drip system? A: 55% of the cost if you are a small or marginal farmer (up to 2 ha), 45% otherwise — and your state may add more on top.

Q: Can I buy any drip system and claim the subsidy? A: No. Buy from suppliers empanelled by your state, and apply before or as directed by the state process — otherwise the subsidy can be refused.

Q: Is there a limit on the area covered? A: States generally cap the subsidized area per beneficiary — confirm the current limit on your state's official portal.

Q: I don't own the land I farm. Can I still apply? A: Some states allow tenants with documented cultivation rights — confirm with your district agriculture office.

Sources: https://pmksy.gov.in; https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1985487; PMKSY 2021-26 Cabinet approval (PIB, December 2021). Last verified: 2026-08-07. Always confirm current details on the official portal before acting.