Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) 2025 : Benefits, Subsidy Details, Eligibility & How to Apply
Water is one of the most essential resources for agriculture, yet many farmers across India continue to depend on unpredictable monsoons. To solve this major challenge and ensure improved irrigation facilities across rural India, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in 2015. With the powerful mission of “Har Khet Ko Pani” (water for every field) and “Per Drop More Crop”, the scheme aims to promote smart water management and boost farmers’ income through modern irrigation technologies.
PMKSY is a key government initiative that encourages the adoption of water-efficient systems such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, water harvesting structures, and groundwater recharge. The scheme provides a significant subsidy to farmers, making it easier for them to switch from traditional irrigation to modern systems that save water and increase productivity.
Main Objectives of PMKSY
The scheme is designed to transform Indian agriculture through:
✔ Expanding the total irrigated area across the country
✔ Improving on-farm water use by reducing wastage
✔ Promoting micro-irrigation for higher crop output
✔ Reducing dependence on rainfall and climate uncertainty
✔ Conserving natural groundwater and preventing soil erosion
✔ Integrating irrigation resources across multiple departments
By improving water accessibility and management, the scheme ensures better crop health and higher farm income.
Components of PMKSY
PMKSY has four major components, each addressing different irrigation challenges:
Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP)
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Implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti
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Focuses on finishing major and medium irrigation projects pending for years
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Aims to expand irrigation coverage across states
Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP)
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Ensures water delivery to every farm
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Supports construction of canals, tube wells, farm ponds, check dams
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Includes watershed development for efficient water flow
Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)
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Managed by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
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Promotes micro-irrigation (drip & sprinkler systems)
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Encourages modern irrigation technology to save 50–70% water
Watershed Development Component (WDC-PMKSY)
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Focus on rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge
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Useful in drought-prone, hilly, and rain-fed regions
Subsidy Benefits Under PMKSY
The biggest advantage of PMKSY is the huge subsidy for micro-irrigation systems.
| Farmer Category | Subsidy % from Central Government | Total Subsidy with State Share |
|---|---|---|
| Small & Marginal Farmers | 55% | Up to 70–80% |
| Other Farmers | 45% | Up to 60–70% |
Example
If the installation cost of drip irrigation is ₹1,00,000:
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Small farmer subsidy: ₹55,000 (Central) + ₹20,000 (State)
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Final cost to farmer = ₹25,000 only
This makes micro-irrigation affordable for even low-income farmers.
Crops Covered
PMKSY supports irrigation for:
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Vegetables & fruit crops
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Pulses & oilseeds
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Cereals like wheat, maize
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Commercial crops like sugarcane, cotton, spices, tea, coffee
Eligibility Criteria for PMKSY Subsidy
Farmers applying must:
✔ Own cultivable agricultural land
✔ Have an Aadhaar-linked bank account
✔ Provide land documents or tenancy proof (sharecroppers allowed in some states)
✔ Have a reliable water source like borewell/canal/pond
✔ Priority to small and marginal farmers adopting micro-irrigation for first time
How to Apply for PMKSY – Step-by-Step Guide
Farmers can apply both online and offline.
Online Application Process
1️⃣ Visit the official state Agriculture / Horticulture department portal
2️⃣ Register using Aadhaar and mobile number
3️⃣ Fill in land, crop, and irrigation system details
4️⃣ Upload documents – Aadhaar, land proof, bank passbook, photo
5️⃣ Choose a registered micro-irrigation vendor
6️⃣ Submit application for verification
Once approved, installation begins and subsidy is transferred directly.
Offline Process
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Visit nearest Agriculture or Horticulture office
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Fill out the PMKSY form
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Submit required documents
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Officer verifies land & crop
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Installation starts after approval
Documents Required
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Aadhaar card
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Land ownership certificate / land records
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Bank passbook details
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Passport-size photo
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Irrigation system quotation
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Caste / income certificate (if applicable)
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Water source certificate
Major Benefits to Farmers
| Benefit | Result |
|---|---|
| Saves up to 70% water | Efficient crop irrigation |
| Higher crop yield | Better income |
| Saves fertilizer & energy | Reduced farm costs |
| Prevents soil erosion | Improves soil health |
| Helps in drought conditions | Reliable crop survival |
| Government support | Easy access through state departments |
Funding Pattern & Implementation
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Central Govt : 75% | State Govt: 25%
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For NE States & Himalayan region : 90:10 ratio
The scheme is jointly implemented by:
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Ministry of Agriculture
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Ministry of Jal Shakti
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Department of Rural Development
This integrated approach helps fast completion of irrigation projects.
Impact of PMKSY on Indian Agriculture
Since launch, PMKSY has:
⭐ Brought over 70 lakh hectares under micro-irrigation
⭐ Increased income for farmers in water-scarce areas
⭐ Boosted cultivation in drought regions
⭐ Encouraged adoption of modern farming techniques
States like Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu have reported major success.
Challenges Ahead
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Lack of awareness among rural farmers
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Initial investment before subsidy refund
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Delays in subsidy release in some regions
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Technical knowledge required for system maintenance
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana is transforming Indian agriculture by ensuring sustainable irrigation and efficient water use. By helping farmers adopt micro-irrigation technology, the scheme supports higher productivity, water conservation, and increased income. As water scarcity grows globally, PMKSY plays a crucial role in securing India’s agricultural future with the vision of “Per Drop More Crop” and “Har Khet Ko Pani”.
