Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is a flagship irrigation initiative of the Government of India, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and Ministry of Rural Development. The scheme promotes efficient water management through micro-irrigation subsidies, irrigation infrastructure development, and watershed conservation activities across the country.

Introduction of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): A Brief Insight

For decades, Indian agriculture has depended heavily on monsoon rains. In many regions, farmers either faced water shortages or lost precious water through inefficient irrigation methods. To tackle these challenges and improve water-use efficiency in agriculture, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) on 1 July 2015.

The scheme is built around two important goals which are “Har Khet Ko Pani” (water to every field) and “Per Drop More Crop” (maximum productivity from every drop of water). Through these objectives, the government aims to expand irrigation coverage, conserve water resources, and help farmers adopt modern irrigation practices.

PMKSY is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and the Ministry of Rural Development. Instead of focusing on a single activity, the scheme brings together irrigation infrastructure development, water conservation, watershed management, and micro-irrigation support under one integrated framework.

Under the micro-irrigation component, eligible farmers can receive a 55% subsidy for drip and sprinkler irrigation systems if they belong to the small or marginal farmer category, while other farmers can receive a 45% subsidy. These systems help save water, improve irrigation efficiency, and support better crop productivity.

Beyond individual farm-level benefits, PMKSY also funds major irrigation projects, canal networks, water harvesting structures, watershed development works, and modern irrigation management systems. The current 2021-26 phase of the scheme has been backed by an overall outlay of approximately Rs. 93,068.56 crore, reflecting the government’s continued focus on strengthening India’s irrigation infrastructure.

Farmers interested in micro-irrigation assistance can apply through their District Agriculture Office, Horticulture Department, or the relevant state agriculture portal. Larger irrigation and watershed projects are implemented through State Governments, Irrigation Departments, and local institutions for the benefit of entire farming communities.

For any assistance related to the scheme, farmers can contact the Kisan Call Centre toll-free at 1800-180-1551 or visit their nearest Agriculture Department office for guidance.

Farmers benefiting from improved irrigation facilities can also explore the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana for direct income support and the PM Fasal Bima Yojana for crop insurance protection against natural calamities and weather-related losses. Those interested in adopting advanced farming technologies can additionally check the Namo Drone Didi Yojana, which promotes the use of drones in modern agriculture.

Farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, and rural communities looking for more agriculture and irrigation-related initiatives can explore all available programmes on our Central Government Welfare Schemes page.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is an umbrella irrigation programme of the Government of India. The benefits available to farmers, communities, and states depend on the specific component under which assistance is provided.

Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP)

• Provides financial assistance for the completion of major and medium irrigation projects across the country
• Supports construction of canals, dams, reservoirs, and lift irrigation infrastructure
• Helps bring additional agricultural land under assured irrigation
• Focuses on expediting long-pending irrigation projects, particularly in water-stressed and drought-prone regions
• 19 major and medium irrigation projects were approved under the 2021-26 implementation period

Har Khet Ko Pani

• Expands irrigation coverage to agricultural areas lacking assured water supply
• Supports creation of new water sources through surface minor irrigation and groundwater-based projects
• Promotes water harvesting structures and local water conservation works
• Funds Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of existing water bodies
• 1,731 Surface Minor Irrigation projects across 14 clusters are being supported during 2021-26

Per Drop More Crop (Micro Irrigation)

• Provides financial assistance for installation of drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation systems
• Small and marginal farmers can receive subsidy up to 55% of the approved unit cost
• Other farmers can receive subsidy up to 45% of the approved unit cost
• Improves water-use efficiency and helps reduce water wastage
• Supports better crop productivity while using less irrigation water
• Special provisions are available for North Eastern, Himalayan, and low micro-irrigation coverage states
• More than 83 lakh hectares have been brought under micro-irrigation since 2015-16

Note: The Per Drop More Crop component continues to support micro-irrigation expansion and is currently implemented through the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) framework.

Watershed Development Component (WDC-PMKSY)

• Supports treatment and development of rainfed and degraded lands
• Funds construction of check dams, farm ponds, contour trenches, and water conservation structures
• Promotes soil moisture conservation and groundwater recharge
• Creates sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural households in watershed areas
• 49.50 lakh hectares targeted for watershed treatment under WDC-PMKSY 2.0

Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management

• Improves water distribution efficiency within irrigation command areas
• Promotes underground pressurised pipeline systems for irrigation
• Reduces conveyance losses and ensures better water delivery to farms
• Encourages the use of modern technologies such as SCADA and IoT-based irrigation management systems
• Supports efficient irrigation coverage at the farm level and strengthens water management practices

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is implemented across multiple components by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Jal Shakti, and Ministry of Rural Development. Eligibility depends on the component under which assistance is being provided.

• Must be a farmer, cultivator, farmer group, Water User Association, Panchayat, or eligible community institution, depending on the PMKSY component
• Farmers applying for micro-irrigation assistance must possess valid land ownership records or cultivation rights for the concerned agricultural land
• Small, marginal, and other categories of farmers are eligible to receive assistance under the micro-irrigation component
• Micro-irrigation benefits are generally available for agricultural land up to the prescribed area limit notified by the concerned State Government
• Farmer groups, cooperatives, and Water User Associations can avail support for community-based irrigation infrastructure
• Panchayats, local bodies, and community organisations may receive assistance for watershed development and water conservation activities
• Applicants must comply with the guidelines and eligibility conditions prescribed by their respective State Agriculture or Irrigation Department
• The scheme is available across all States and Union Territories, subject to implementation by the concerned State Government

Who Can Benefit Under PMKSY?

• Individual farmers seeking drip or sprinkler irrigation systems
• Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, and farmer groups
• Water User Associations managing irrigation facilities
• Panchayati Raj Institutions and local bodies implementing water conservation projects
• Communities covered under watershed development and irrigation infrastructure projects

Documents Required to be Attached

The documents required under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) depend on the specific component for which assistance is being sought. Farmers applying for micro-irrigation benefits such as drip or sprinkler systems are generally required to keep the following documents ready:

• Aadhaar Card linked with an active mobile number
• Land ownership or cultivation records such as 7/12 extract, Patta, Khatauni, or other relevant revenue documents
• Bank passbook copy for receiving subsidy through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
• Caste or category certificate, wherever applicable for higher subsidy benefits
• Recent passport-size photograph

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of the Scheme

The application process under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) depends on the component you wish to benefit from. Individual farmers generally apply for micro-irrigation assistance, while large irrigation and watershed projects are implemented through government agencies and community institutions.

For Micro Irrigation (Drip and Sprinkler Systems)

Step 1: First, visit your nearest Agriculture Office, Horticulture Office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Gram Panchayat, or Common Service Centre (CSC) and ask whether applications for drip or sprinkler irrigation subsidies are currently being accepted in your area.

Step 2: Collect the application form from the concerned office or visit your state’s Agriculture Department portal if online applications are available.

Step 3: Carefully fill in your personal details, land information, crop details, and bank account information. Make sure all information matches your official records.

Step 4: Attach the required documents, such as Aadhaar Card, land ownership or cultivation records, bank passbook copy, passport-size photograph, and category certificate (if applicable).

Step 5: Submit the completed application to the designated office or upload it through the state portal, depending on the system followed in your state.

Step 6: After receiving your application, department officials may visit your farm to verify the land details and assess whether drip or sprinkler irrigation is suitable for your field.

Step 7: Once your application is approved, you will be guided to select an authorised supplier or empanelled vendor for installation of the irrigation system.

Step 8: The approved drip or sprinkler system is installed on your farm according to the technical specifications approved by the department.

Step 9: After installation, officials conduct a final inspection. Once verification is completed successfully, the subsidy amount is released as per the procedure followed by your State Government.

For Larger Infrastructure Works (AIBP, Har Khet Ko Pani and Watershed Development)

Step 1: Individual farmers generally do not submit separate applications for these components because they are implemented as community or area-based projects.

Step 2: The concerned State Irrigation Department, District Administration, Watershed Agency, or Water User Association identifies eligible areas and prepares project proposals for approval.

Step 3: Once approved, irrigation canals, water harvesting structures, watershed works, or other infrastructure projects are developed in the selected area, allowing local farmers to benefit from improved water availability.

Step 4: If your village requires irrigation infrastructure or watershed development work, you can raise the issue through your Gram Panchayat, local farmer group, or Water User Association for consideration in future project planning.

Important: PMKSY is implemented by State Governments, so application procedures, subsidy rates, online portals, and approved vendors may vary from one state to another. Before applying, always verify the latest guidelines with your local Agriculture Department. For assistance, farmers can also contact the Kisan Call Centre at 1800-180-1551.

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) Official Portal
• About PMKSY Scheme Overview
• PMKSY Guidelines Component-wise Documents
• Micro Irrigation (Per Drop More Crop) Operational Guidelines
• Watershed Development Component (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) Official Portal

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Nodal Ministries: Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India
• Kisan Call Centre (Toll-Free): 1800-180-1551
• Local Level: Contact your District Agriculture Office, District Irrigation Office, or nearest Water User Association

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)?

Ans. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is a flagship irrigation programme of the Government of India launched on 1 July 2015. The scheme aims to improve irrigation coverage, promote efficient water use, and ensure that every farm gets access to adequate water through the vision of “Har Khet Ko Pani” and “Per Drop More Crop”.

Q. Who can avail benefits under PMKSY?

Ans. Individual farmers, farmer groups, Water User Associations, Panchayats, local bodies, and community institutions can benefit under different components of PMKSY, subject to the eligibility conditions prescribed by the concerned State Government.

Q. What are the major components of PMKSY?

Ans. The scheme includes Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Har Khet Ko Pani, Per Drop More Crop, Watershed Development Component (WDC-PMKSY), and the Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management component.

Q. How much subsidy is available for drip and sprinkler irrigation systems?

Ans. Under the micro-irrigation component, eligible small and marginal farmers can receive subsidy up to 55% of the approved unit cost, while other farmers can receive subsidy up to 45%, subject to state-specific guidelines.

Q. Can farmers apply online for PMKSY benefits?

Ans. Yes. Many State Governments provide online application facilities for micro-irrigation assistance through their Agriculture or Horticulture Department portals. Farmers can also apply through designated agriculture offices where online facilities are not available.

Q. Can an individual farmer apply for canal, dam, or watershed projects?

Ans. No. Components such as AIBP, Har Khet Ko Pani, and Watershed Development are generally implemented as area-based or community projects. Individual farmers benefit from these projects but do not usually submit separate applications for them.

Q. What is the Per Drop More Crop component?

Ans. It is the micro-irrigation component of PMKSY that promotes the adoption of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems to improve water-use efficiency, reduce water wastage, and enhance agricultural productivity.

Q. What is the Watershed Development Component under PMKSY?

Ans. The Watershed Development Component focuses on soil and water conservation, groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting, farm ponds, check dams, and sustainable livelihood support in rainfed and degraded areas.

Q. Is PMKSY available across India?

Ans. Yes. PMKSY is implemented across all States and Union Territories of India through the respective State Governments and concerned departments.

Q. What is the maximum land area generally considered for micro-irrigation assistance?

Ans. Micro-irrigation assistance is generally available for agricultural land up to 5 hectares per farmer, though specific provisions may vary according to state guidelines.

Q. How can I check the latest subsidy rates and application process in my state?

Ans. You can visit your nearest Agriculture Department office, Horticulture Department office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), or the official state agriculture portal to obtain the latest information regarding subsidy rates and application procedures.

Q. Where can I get help regarding PMKSY?

Ans. Farmers can contact the Kisan Call Centre at 1800-180-1551 or visit their nearest Agriculture Department office for assistance related to PMKSY and other agricultural schemes.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.