What this scheme offers
PMKSY addresses a core constraint for many Indian farmers: unreliable rainfall and falling groundwater levels. Its flagship "Per Drop More Crop" component subsidises micro-irrigation systems — drip and sprinkler sets — that cut water use by 30-50% compared to flood irrigation, while typically boosting yields. The subsidy is 55% of installation cost for small and marginal farmers, and 45% for other farmers. The scheme also funds farm pond construction for rainwater harvesting, and (through a related watershed component) soil conservation and water body renovation in rainfed areas. Funding is shared between Centre and State — 60:40 in most states, 90:10 in the North-East and Himalayan states, and fully centrally funded in Union Territories.
Who is eligible
- Farmers with their own cultivable land.
- Members of cooperative societies or Self-Help Groups.
- Tenant farmers with a lease agreement of at least 7 years, in states that recognise this.
- Farmers who have not already received a micro-irrigation subsidy under this scheme in the preceding 7 years.
Documents required
- Aadhaar card
- Land ownership or lease documents
- Bank account details (for DBT subsidy transfer)
- Water availability certificate, where applicable
How to apply
- Visit pmksy.gov.in or your state's horticulture/agriculture department micro-irrigation portal (MIP portal).
- Register with your land, crop and irrigation requirement details.
- Choose the relevant component (typically micro-irrigation for individual farmers) and upload Aadhaar, land and bank documents.
- Submit the application; a field inspection follows to verify feasibility.
- On approval, install the system through an approved vendor.
- After verification of installation, the subsidy is transferred directly to your bank account via DBT.