Introduction
Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, and efficient water management is critical for ensuring sustainable agricultural growth. Recognizing the need for water conservation and better irrigation facilities, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in 2015. Its flagship component, “Per Drop More Crop,” focuses on improving water use efficiency at the farm level through micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the scheme, with a special focus on how to apply, eligibility, documents required, and the step-by-step application process.
1. Background and Context
1.1. Water Crisis in Agriculture
India faces a major challenge of water scarcity in agriculture, where over 80% of freshwater is consumed. Traditional irrigation methods are wasteful. Micro-irrigation has emerged as a modern, efficient, and sustainable solution.
1.2. Government’s Initiative
To promote water-efficient practices, the Government launched PMKSY with a dedicated component – Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) – focusing on micro-irrigation, improving productivity, and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
2. Objectives of Per Drop More Crop
- Improve water use efficiency in agriculture.
- Promote micro-irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler).
- Reduce dependence on rainfall and inefficient irrigation.
- Enhance crop productivity and farm income.
- Support climate-resilient agriculture.
3. Key Features of the Scheme
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) |
| Focus Technology | Drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, mini sprinklers |
| Funding Pattern | Centre:State – 60:40; NE & hilly states – 90:10; UTs – 100% central |
| Subsidy Offered | Up to 55% to 90% of system cost depending on state and farmer category |
| Target Crops | Horticulture, pulses, oilseeds, cotton, sugarcane, vegetables |
| Target Beneficiaries | All farmers, especially small, marginal, SC/ST and women farmers |
✅ 4. Eligibility Criteria
To avail the benefits under the Per Drop More Crop scheme, the following eligibility conditions apply:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Farmer Type | All types of farmers: individual, group, FPOs, SHGs, cooperatives |
| Land Ownership | Must have legal ownership or cultivation rights |
| Priority Beneficiaries | Small & marginal farmers, SC/ST, women farmers |
| Eligible Crops | Horticulture, vegetables, fruits, pulses, oilseeds, cotton, sugarcane |
| Irrigation Type | Drip, sprinkler, mini/micro sprinklers, rain-gun systems |
| State-wise Variations | Some states have additional criteria—check with local Agri Dept |
📝 5. Documents Required
You will need the following documents to apply:
- Aadhaar Card (Mandatory)
- Land Ownership Certificate or Cultivation Rights Proof
- Bank Passbook Copy (for subsidy transfer via DBT)
- Passport Size Photograph
- Caste Certificate (if applying under SC/ST category)
- Farmer Registration ID (if applicable in state portal)
- Water Source Certificate (Borewell/Canal/Pond etc.)
- Quotation from Empanelled Vendor for micro-irrigation system
🛠️ 6. How to Apply – Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Check Scheme Availability
Visit your State Agriculture Department’s website or nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) to confirm scheme implementation and guidelines.
Step 2: Choose an Empanelled Vendor
Get a quotation and layout plan for a micro-irrigation system from a state-approved vendor. The subsidy is usually provided only if the vendor is empanelled.
Step 3: Submit Application
You can apply offline or online, depending on your state’s portal:
A. Offline Application
- Visit the nearest Agriculture Office, KVK, or Block Development Office.
- Submit the filled application form with supporting documents.
- The application is verified and approved by the District Level Committee (DLIC).
B. Online Application
- Visit the official website of your State Agriculture Department or PMKSY portal.
- Example: https://pmksy.gov.in (Central)
- Register using your Aadhaar number, mobile, and bank details.
- Upload the required documents and submit the form.
Step 4: Physical Verification
Field staff will visit your farm to verify land, water source, and proposed irrigation system.
Step 5: Installation
Once approved, you can proceed with installation through the empanelled vendor.
Step 6: Subsidy Disbursement
After successful installation and inspection, the subsidy amount is directly transferred to your bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
🗺️ 7. Online Portals for Application (State-Wise Examples)
| State | Portal URL |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in |
| Gujarat | https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in |
| Karnataka | https://raitamitra.karnataka.gov.in |
| Rajasthan | https://www.agriculture.rajasthan.gov.in |
| Tamil Nadu | https://www.tn.gov.in |
| Uttar Pradesh | https://upagripardarshi.gov.in |
| All India | https://pmksy.gov.in |
✅ 8. Benefits of Per Drop More Crop
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Water Efficiency | 40–60% less water use than flood irrigation |
| Yield Improvement | 20–30% higher yields due to consistent water supply |
| Fertilizer Use Efficiency | Fertigation allows better absorption and reduced input costs |
| Reduced Labor Cost | Automated irrigation reduces manual dependency |
| Soil Conservation | Prevents salinity and waterlogging |
| Climate Resilience | Suitable for drought-prone areas and erratic rainfall zones |
🚧 9. Challenges in Adoption
- High Initial Cost despite subsidy
- Limited awareness in remote regions
- Maintenance and repair support is often weak
- Power supply issues for running irrigation pumps
- Middlemen exploitation in subsidy process (in some regions)
💡 10. Recommendations for Farmers
- Always work with approved vendors to ensure subsidy eligibility.
- Check state-specific guidelines as norms may differ.
- Attend awareness programs by KVKs and Agri departments.
- Consider forming FPOs or cooperatives to avail bulk benefits and cost-sharing.
🌱 Success Stories
Maharashtra (Banana Cultivation in Jalgaon):
Farmers increased productivity by 25%, reduced water use by 40%, and extended the life of borewells.
Gujarat (Groundnut in Saurashtra):
Adoption of drip irrigation cut water usage by half and improved profits.
Andhra Pradesh (Vegetables in Anantapur):
Sprinkler irrigation helped raise income by ₹30,000 per hectare.
📈 Future Vision of the Scheme
- Achieve universal micro-irrigation coverage across rain-fed areas.
- Integrate with Digital Agriculture Mission, GIS mapping & IoT.
- Train youth in micro-irrigation entrepreneurship.
- Provide credit-linked micro-irrigation models through NABARD.
🤔 FAQs
1. Is the scheme open to all farmers?
Yes. All farmers including tenant farmers can apply. SC/ST, women, and small/marginal farmers get priority.
2. How much subsidy is available?
Typically 55%, and up to 90% in NE/Hilly states or for small/marginal farmers.
3. Do I need to install the system before applying?
No. Apply first, get approval, then install using approved vendor.
4. Is it compulsory to buy from a specific vendor?
Yes. You must buy from state-approved/empanelled vendors only.
📚 References
- Official PMKSY Website
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
- Maharashtra DBT Portal
- PMKSY Guidelines 2023-24 PDF (MoA)
