Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) :Comprehensive Scheme Snapshot

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

Comprehensive Scheme Snapshot

Introduction

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is the flagship irrigation and water resource management programme of the Government of India. Launched on 1 July 2015, the scheme aims to ensure that irrigation facilities reach every farm while promoting efficient use of water resources.

The scheme was introduced to address India’s growing water stress, dependence on monsoons, low irrigation coverage, and inefficient water utilization in agriculture.

Scheme Motto

“Har Khet Ko Pani” (Water to Every Field)

“Per Drop More Crop” (Maximum Output from Every Drop of Water)

Background

At the time of launch, nearly half of India’s net sown area remained dependent on rainfall. Frequent droughts, declining groundwater levels, and low irrigation efficiency adversely affected agricultural productivity.

To address these challenges, the Government integrated various irrigation and water conservation programmes under a single umbrella scheme known as PMKSY.

Launch Details

Vision

To achieve sustainable agricultural growth through:

• Universal irrigation coverage

• Efficient water use

• Water conservation

• Improved agricultural productivity

• Climate-resilient farming systems

Objectives

1. Expand Irrigation Coverage

Bring more cultivable land under assured irrigation.

2. Improve Water Use Efficiency

Promote technologies that reduce water wastage.

3. Enhance Farm Productivity

Increase crop yields through reliable irrigation.

4. Promote Water Conservation

Encourage rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.

5. Improve Farmers’ Income

Reduce production risks and improve profitability.

Major Components

1. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP)

Supports completion of major and medium irrigation projects.

Activities

• Dams

• Canals

• Reservoirs

• Irrigation distribution systems

Benefits

• Creation of additional irrigation potential

• Expansion of command areas

2. Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP)

Focuses on extending irrigation facilities to uncovered areas.

Activities

• Minor irrigation projects

• Surface water development

• Groundwater development

• Lift irrigation schemes

• Renovation of water bodies

3. Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)

Promotes precision irrigation and micro-irrigation technologies.

Technologies Supported

• Drip Irrigation

• Sprinkler Irrigation

• Micro Sprinklers

• Rain Guns

• Fertigation Systems

Benefits

• Water savings up to 50%

• Reduced fertilizer use

• Higher crop productivity

• Lower labour costs

4. Watershed Development

Supports integrated management of land and water resources.

Activities

• Check dams

• Farm ponds

• Contour bunding

• Rainwater harvesting

• Afforestation

• Groundwater recharge structures

Financial Outlay

Original Approval

PMKSY was approved as a multi-year umbrella programme with significant central and state participation.

Extension till 2025-26

In December 2021, the Union Cabinet approved continuation of PMKSY up to 2025-26 with a total outlay of approximately ₹93,068 crore, including Central Assistance of about ₹37,454 crore. This remains one of the largest irrigation investments undertaken in India.

Budget Allocation

The Union Budget 2025-26 allocated approximately ₹8,260 crore to PMKSY for irrigation expansion, water-use efficiency, and related infrastructure development.

For FY 2026-27, allocation under the Department of Water Resources component is about ₹6,587 crore.

Subsidy under “Per Drop More Crop”

This is the most popular component among farmers.

Subsidy Rates

The subsidy is calculated on approved benchmark costs.

Eligible Components for Subsidy

Farmers can receive assistance for:

• Drip irrigation systems

• Sprinkler systems

• Fertigation units

• Filtration equipment

• Pipes and accessories

• Automation systems

• Water distribution systems

Funding Pattern

Eligibility

The following are eligible:

• Individual Farmers

• Small & Marginal Farmers

• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

• Self Help Groups (SHGs)

• Cooperative Societies

• Agricultural Institutions

How Farmers Can Apply

1.    Approach Agriculture/Horticulture Department.

2.    Submit land records and Aadhaar details.

3.    Obtain technical approval.

4.    Install approved irrigation system through authorized vendors.

5.    Verification by department officials.

6.    Subsidy release as per state guidelines.

Recent Development (2025)

The Government approved the Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) initiative under PMKSY with an initial outlay of ₹1,600 crore. The initiative aims to modernize irrigation systems through:

• Underground pressurized pipelines

• SCADA-based monitoring

• Internet of Things (IoT) technology

• Water User Societies

• Integration with FPOs and PACS

Key Achievements

PMKSY has:

✔ Expanded irrigation infrastructure across the country.

✔ Promoted large-scale adoption of drip and sprinkler irrigation.

✔ Improved water-use efficiency.

✔ Increased crop productivity.

✔ Strengthened drought resilience.

✔ Enhanced groundwater recharge and watershed development.

✔ Contributed to sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.

Importance for Rural India

PMKSY is not merely an irrigation programme. It is a comprehensive water management mission designed to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen water security, increase farmers’ income, and support sustainable rural development.

Key Takeaway

PMKSY is one of India’s most important agricultural infrastructure programmes, helping farmers produce more crops with less water while ensuring long-term sustainability of water resources.