Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Ensuring Water to Every Field

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Ensuring Water to Every Field

Water is the backbone of Indian agriculture. However, uneven rainfall, declining groundwater levels, and inefficient irrigation systems have long affected farm productivity. To address these challenges, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) with the core objective of “Har Khet Ko Pani” (Water to Every Field) and “Per Drop More Crop.”

This flagship scheme aims to improve irrigation coverage, enhance water-use efficiency, and promote sustainable agricultural practices across the country.

What is PMKSY?

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. It is a centrally sponsored scheme that integrates various irrigation-related programs under one umbrella to ensure better coordination and effective water management.

The scheme focuses on:

  • Expanding irrigation coverage
  • Improving on-farm water-use efficiency
  • Reducing dependency on rainfall
  • Increasing agricultural productivity and farmers’ income

Objectives of PMKSY

The major objectives of PMKSY are:

Har Khet Ko Pani

  • Provide assured irrigation to every agricultural field.
  • Bridge the gap between irrigation potential created and irrigation potential utilized.

Per Drop More Crop

  • Promote micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems.
  • Maximize crop productivity per unit of water.

Water Source Development

  • Develop and restore water sources such as canals, ponds, tanks, and check dams.
  • Promote rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.

Efficient Water Management

  • Encourage scientific irrigation practices.
  • Reduce wastage of water in agriculture.

Components of PMKSY

PMKSY has four major components, each focusing on a specific aspect of irrigation and water management.

1. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP)

  • Focuses on completion of long-pending major and medium irrigation projects.
  • Targets irrigation projects that are near completion but stalled due to lack of funds.
  • Helps in quickly bringing more area under assured irrigation.

Benefits:

  • Increases irrigation potential
  • Supports large command area irrigation
  • Improves regional water availability

2. Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP)

This component aims to expand irrigation coverage through two sub-components:

a) Command Area Development (CAD)

  • Modernization and efficient distribution of water in existing irrigation commands.
  • Construction of field channels, lining of canals, and water distribution systems.

b) Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI)

Development of minor irrigation sources like:

  • Small canals
  • Lift irrigation
  • Water diversion structures

3. Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)

This is one of the most farmer-centric components of PMKSY.

Key features:

  • Promotion of drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation.
  • Financial assistance for farmers to adopt micro-irrigation systems.
  • Encourages fertigation (application of fertilizers through irrigation).

Benefits to farmers:

  • Water savings up to 30–50%
  • Increased crop yield (20–40%)
  • Reduced fertilizer and labour costs
  • Better crop quality

4. Watershed Development Component (WDC)

  • Focuses on rainfed and drought-prone areas.
  • Emphasizes soil and water conservation.

Activities include:

  • Construction of check dams and contour bunds
  • Land leveling and soil moisture conservation
  • Afforestation and pasture development
  • Livelihood support for small and marginal farmers

Eligibility Under PMKSY

All farmers, including small and marginal farmers, are eligible.

Individual farmers, farmer groups, cooperatives, and SHGs can benefit.

Priority is given to:

  • Water-scarce regions
  • Drought-prone districts
  • Rainfed areas

Subsidy Pattern Under PMKSY

Under the Per Drop More Crop component:

  • General farmers: Up to 55% subsidy
  • Small & marginal farmers: Up to 60% subsidy
  • Subsidy amount varies from state to state.

States like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat actively implement PMKSY with additional state support.

Importance of PMKSY for Indian Agriculture

PMKSY plays a crucial role in transforming Indian agriculture by:

  • Reducing dependency on monsoon rains
  • Promoting climate-resilient farming
  • Improving water productivity
  • Supporting sustainable use of natural resources
  • Enhancing farmers’ income and livelihood security

Role of States in PMKSY Implementation

  • States prepare District Irrigation Plans (DIPs) and State Irrigation Plans (SIPs).
  • Implementation is demand-driven and area-specific.
  • Monitoring is done through geo-tagging and online portals to ensure transparency.

Challenges in PMKSY

Despite its benefits, PMKSY faces some challenges:

  • Delays in subsidy disbursement
  • Lack of awareness among farmers
  • High initial cost of micro-irrigation systems
  • Need for technical guidance and maintenance support

Addressing these issues through farmer awareness programs and timely financial support can enhance the scheme’s effectiveness.

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is a landmark initiative towards achieving sustainable and water-efficient agriculture in India. By focusing on “Har Khet Ko Pani” and “Per Drop More Crop,” the scheme not only conserves water but also empowers farmers to increase productivity and income.

With proper implementation, awareness, and farmer participation, PMKSY can play a vital role in securing India’s agricultural future.

Back to blog