Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is a Government of India initiative focused on improving irrigation facilities, promoting efficient use of water, and helping farmers get better access to irrigation for agricultural production.

With changing rainfall patterns, increasing water requirements, and groundwater depletion in many agricultural areas, efficient water management has become increasingly important. PMKSY promotes the broader goals of “Har Khet Ko Pani” (Water for Every Field) and “Per Drop More Crop”, encouraging better use and conservation of available water resources.

What is PMKSY?

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was launched in 2015–16 with the objective of improving irrigation coverage and water-use efficiency in agriculture.

The programme brings together different activities related to irrigation development, water conservation, watershed development, and efficient water use.

For farmers, the overall objective is simple:

Make irrigation water available, use it efficiently, reduce wastage, and improve agricultural productivity.

Why is PMKSY Important for Farmers?

Water is one of the most important resources in agriculture. Farmers may face problems such as:

• Irregular rainfall
• Lack of assured irrigation
• Groundwater depletion
• Water wastage during irrigation
• Uneven distribution of irrigation water
• Soil erosion and degradation
• Dependence on seasonal rainfall
  
  

PMKSY promotes better planning and management of water resources to address these challenges.

Efficient irrigation can also help farmers use available water more effectively and support more sustainable crop production.

Major Objectives of PMKSY

The major objectives of PMKSY include:

1. Har Khet Ko Pani

The programme aims to improve access to irrigation water and support the development of irrigation infrastructure so that more agricultural land can receive assured irrigation.

2. Per Drop More Crop

This approach focuses on getting more agricultural output from every unit of water through efficient irrigation and better water management.

Technologies such as drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation can help deliver water more efficiently to crops.

3. Improve Water-Use Efficiency

PMKSY encourages efficient utilisation of available water resources and reduction of unnecessary water losses.

4. Water Conservation

Water harvesting, conservation and recharge activities can help improve the long-term availability of water for agriculture.

5. Development of Rainfed Areas

Watershed-based approaches can support soil and moisture conservation in areas that depend heavily on rainfall.

Major Components Associated with PMKSY

PMKSY covers several areas of irrigation and water management. Some of the important components include:

1. Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP)

The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) focuses on accelerating the completion of major and medium irrigation projects so that irrigation potential can be created and utilised.

Such projects can contribute to bringing additional agricultural land under irrigation.

2. Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP)

Har Khet Ko Pani focuses on improving access to irrigation water at the farm level.

It includes activities related to irrigation development and water management, including areas such as:

• Command Area Development
• Surface Minor Irrigation
• Restoration of water bodies
• Other irrigation-related interventions

3. Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)

The Per Drop More Crop approach promotes efficient water application in agriculture.

Micro-irrigation systems such as:

• Drip irrigation
• Sprinkler irrigation
• Other efficient irrigation technologies

can help farmers apply water more precisely according to crop requirements.

Important: The availability, eligibility and subsidy pattern for specific micro-irrigation assistance can vary according to the applicable government programme and state implementation arrangements. Farmers should verify current details with the concerned agriculture/horticulture department before making an investment.

4. Watershed Development

Watershed development focuses on conserving soil and water in rainfed and watershed areas.

Activities may include:

• Water conservation
• Rainwater harvesting
• Groundwater recharge
• Soil-moisture conservation
• Treatment of degraded land
• Development of rainfed agricultural areas

These measures can help improve the productive use of rainfall and reduce soil and water losses.

5. Command Area Development & Water Management (CADWM)

Command Area Development & Water Management (CADWM) is concerned with improving the utilisation of irrigation potential and strengthening water management within irrigation command areas.

Depending on the project, activities can include field-level irrigation development, land levelling, drainage and other measures that improve water distribution and utilisation.

6. Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI)

Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI) supports smaller surface irrigation schemes and is associated with the Har Khet Ko Pani component.

Such projects can help create or improve irrigation potential in suitable areas.

7. Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies

The Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) component focuses on improving existing water bodies.

Restoration activities can help:

• Improve water storage
• Restore damaged water bodies
• Support groundwater recharge
• Improve irrigation availability
• Increase the productive use of stored water

How Can PMKSY Help Farmers?

The benefits depend on the particular project, component and state-level implementation. In general, improved irrigation and water management can help farmers by:

Better Access to Irrigation

Improved irrigation infrastructure can reduce dependence on rainfall in suitable areas.

Efficient Use of Water

Drip and sprinkler systems can help apply water more efficiently than conventional irrigation methods in appropriate crops and field conditions.

Reduced Water Loss

Better water management can reduce losses caused by inefficient distribution and application.

Improved Crop Management

Reliable irrigation can provide farmers with greater flexibility in crop planning and crop management.

Water Conservation

Rainwater harvesting, watershed activities and restoration of water bodies can contribute to long-term water security.

Support for Sustainable Agriculture

Efficient use of water can help farmers manage an increasingly important agricultural resource more sustainably.

What Should Farmers Do to Access Government Irrigation Support?

PMKSY implementation is carried out through different government departments, agencies and programmes. Therefore, farmers should not assume that every PMKSY facility is available directly through a single central application.

Farmers should:

1. Identify the applicable irrigation or water-conservation programme in their area.
2. Contact the concerned Agriculture, Horticulture, Irrigation/Water Resources, Watershed or Rural Development department, as applicable.
3. Ask about the current financial year guidelines and eligibility conditions.
4. Check whether the activity is available in their district.
5. Confirm the applicable farmer contribution, subsidy/support pattern, technical specifications and implementation process.
6. Keep required land, identity, bank and agricultural documents ready as requested by the implementing department.
7. Obtain an official acknowledgement/application number wherever applicable.

Because schemes and implementation procedures can change, farmers should always verify the latest information with the relevant government department before purchasing equipment or starting construction.

For further assistance on access to the scheme:

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana: Per Drop More Crop 

Farm Pond and Water Conservation

For Farmpond Construction Call or WhatsApp us: 9063401379

Farmers looking for better water management may also consider farm ponds and other water-harvesting structures, where technically and legally appropriate.

A properly planned water-storage structure can help capture and store rainfall runoff for later agricultural use.

However, farmers should consider:

• Catchment area
• Soil type
• Rainfall
• Water availability
• Storage requirement
• Site slope
• Evaporation losses
• Soil permeability
• Lining requirements
• Irrigation requirement
• Local technical guidelines

A farm pond should be designed according to the site rather than using the same dimensions for every farm.

Government assistance for farm ponds is not automatically available under every PMKSY component or in every location. Farmers should verify the applicable state/district programme before assuming that a particular farm pond qualifies for financial assistance.

Drip Irrigation and Sprinkler Irrigation

Efficient irrigation systems can play an important role in the Per Drop More Crop approach.

Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation delivers water close to the plant root zone through emitters.

It is commonly used in crops such as:

• Vegetables
• Fruit crops
• Plantation crops
• Cotton
• Chilli
• Other suitable crops
• Sprinkler Irrigation

Sprinkler systems distribute water through pressurised sprinklers and can be useful for various field crops and horticultural situations, depending on soil, crop and field conditions.

The correct irrigation system should be selected based on crop, soil, water source, field size, topography and available water pressure.

PMKSY and Water-Smart Farming

PMKSY is not simply about installing an irrigation system. Efficient agriculture requires a combination of:

Water Source + Storage + Efficient Irrigation + Proper Scheduling + Soil Management + Crop Planning

Farmers can improve water-use efficiency by combining irrigation infrastructure with practices such as:

• Irrigating according to crop requirement
• Maintaining drip and sprinkler systems
• Checking for leakage
• Using suitable mulching practices
• Improving soil organic matter
• Avoiding unnecessary irrigation
• Monitoring soil moisture
• Maintaining farm ponds and water-storage structures

Frequently Asked Questions About PMKSY

Is PMKSY only for farmers?

PMKSY covers several types of irrigation and water-management projects. Some interventions are farmer-oriented, while others involve government departments, agencies, irrigation projects and community-level infrastructure.

Does PMKSY provide subsidy for drip irrigation?

Government support for micro-irrigation may be available through applicable programmes and state implementation mechanisms. The exact subsidy, eligibility and application procedure should be confirmed with the concerned state department for the current year.

Can farmers get assistance for farm ponds?

Assistance for farm ponds or water-harvesting structures depends on the specific programme, state, district and applicable guidelines. Farmers should verify the current scheme before beginning construction.

Does every farmer automatically receive PMKSY benefits?

No. Eligibility and implementation depend on the specific component, project, location, government guidelines and available programme provisions.

Where can farmers get PMKSY information?

Farmers can refer to the official PMKSY portal and contact the relevant state or district government department for current implementation details.

Final Takeaway

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) focuses on improving irrigation access, conserving water and promoting efficient water use in agriculture.

For farmers, the key message is:

“Save Water • Use Water Efficiently • Improve Irrigation • Build a Sustainable Farm”

Farmers should explore the irrigation and water-conservation programmes available in their district and verify the latest eligibility, subsidy and application requirements with the concerned government authorities.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general farmer awareness and educational purposes. PMKSY components, eligibility criteria, financial assistance, implementing agencies and application procedures may vary by state, district, project and financial year. Farmers should verify the latest official government guidelines before applying or investing.

Official PMKSY Website: pmksy.mowr.gov.in