Introduction

Water is the lifeline of agriculture, and efficient irrigation plays a crucial role in ensuring high productivity and sustainability. Recognizing this, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in 2015 to enhance irrigation infrastructure, improve water-use efficiency, and ensure that every farm gets sufficient water—embodied in the vision "Har Khet Ko Pani" (Water for Every Farm).

PMKSY integrates multiple irrigation schemes and focuses on expanding cultivable land under assured irrigation, promoting water conservation, and using advanced irrigation techniques like micro-irrigation (drip & sprinkler systems).

This article explores the objectives, components, funding, eligibility, application process, and impact of PMKSY in detail.

Objectives of PMKSY

The key objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana are:

  1. Enhancing Irrigation Coverage – Expanding the net area under irrigation to ensure every farm gets water.
  2. Improving Water Efficiency – Encouraging efficient water use by promoting micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation.
  3. Strengthening Water Resources – Developing rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and watershed management projects.
  4. Integrating Water Resource Management – Coordinating water resource utilization across departments for better results.
  5. Promoting Sustainable Agriculture – Encouraging farmers to adopt water-efficient crops and irrigation methods.

Key Components of PMKSY

PMKSY is structured into four major components, each focusing on different aspects of irrigation and water management:

1. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP)

  • Objective: Completing long-pending major and medium irrigation projects to provide water to more cultivable areas.
  • Implementation: The central government provides financial assistance for faster execution.
  • Target: Completion of 99 priority irrigation projects covering over 76 lakh hectares of farmland.

2. Har Khet Ko Pani (HKP)

  • Objective: Expanding irrigation coverage, ensuring every farm has access to water.
  • Key Initiatives:
    • Developing canals, tube wells, and lift irrigation projects.
    • Restoring traditional water bodies like ponds and lakes.
    • Implementing small-scale irrigation projects at the village level.

3. Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)

  • Objective: Promoting efficient water usage through micro-irrigation systems.
  • Features:
    • Encourages drip and sprinkler irrigation, reducing water wastage.
    • Provides subsidies for farmers adopting modern irrigation techniques.
    • Supports the cultivation of water-efficient crops.

4. Watershed Development

  • Objective: Improving soil and water conservation through rainwater harvesting, afforestation, and soil erosion control.
  • Key Focus Areas:
    • Construction of check dams and farm ponds for water storage.
    • Rejuvenation of groundwater sources.
    • Soil conservation projects in drought-prone regions.

Funding and Financial Assistance

The funding pattern of PMKSY involves contributions from the Central and State Governments based on the project type:

Scheme Component
Central Share
State Share
AIBP (Irrigation Projects)
75%
25%
Har Khet Ko Pani
60%
40%
Per Drop More Crop
60%
40%
Watershed Development
60%
40%
Northeastern & Himalayan States (Special Category)
90%
10%

Additionally, the scheme allows for convergence with MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) and other rural development programs to enhance water resource management.

Eligibility for PMKSY

The PMKSY scheme is open to:

✅ Small & marginal farmers
✅ Individual farmers & farmer groups
✅ Cooperative societies & self-help groups (SHGs)
✅ State & central government agencies implementing irrigation projects

Farmers applying for subsidized micro-irrigation systems under Per Drop More Crop must be engaged in agriculture or horticulture.

How to Apply for PMKSY Benefits?

Farmers can apply for benefits under PMKSY online or offline.

1. Offline Application (Through Agriculture Departments)

  • Visit the nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), State Agriculture Department, or District Irrigation Office.
  • Collect and fill out the PMKSY application form.
  • Submit required documents (Aadhaar, land ownership proof, and bank details).
  • The application is processed, and eligible beneficiaries receive financial support.

2. Online Application (PMKSY Portal & State Websites)

  • Visit the official PMKSY website (https://pmksy.gov.in/) or the respective state agriculture department’s website.
  • Select the relevant scheme component (AIBP, HKP, PDMC, or Watershed Development).
  • Fill in personal and farm details.
  • Upload necessary documents and submit the application.
  • Once approved, subsidies and funds are directly transferred to the farmer’s bank account through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).

Impact of PMKSY on Indian Agriculture

Since its launch, PMKSY has significantly transformed irrigation and water conservation in India:

🚀 Over 22 lakh hectares of farmland have received irrigation coverage under PMKSY.
🚀 99 major irrigation projects under AIBP are nearing completion.
🚀 Micro-irrigation (drip & sprinkler) adopted by over 50 lakh farmers.
🚀 Improved groundwater recharge & reduced dependence on monsoon rains.
🚀 Increased crop yields by 20-30% due to better water management.

The scheme has played a crucial role in reducing water wastage, promoting sustainable agriculture, and improving rural livelihoods.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

🔴 Lack of Awareness: Many small farmers are unaware of the benefits of micro-irrigation and subsidy schemes.
🔴 Slow Implementation of Irrigation Projects: Delays in land acquisition, funding, and execution affect the timely completion of projects.
🔴 Limited Adoption of Drip Irrigation: Despite subsidies, high installation costs deter some farmers from adopting micro-irrigation.
🔴 Groundwater Depletion Concerns: While PMKSY promotes irrigation expansion, overuse of groundwater in some regions remains a challenge.

The government is increasing awareness campaigns, simplifying procedures, and encouraging public-private partnerships to overcome these issues.

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is a game-changer in India’s irrigation sector, ensuring efficient water usage, expanding irrigation coverage, and promoting sustainable farming. By integrating modern irrigation techniques with traditional water conservation methods, PMKSY is helping farmers improve productivity, reduce costs, and ensure food security.

With continued investment, awareness, and technological innovations, PMKSY can revolutionize Indian agriculture, making it resilient to climate change and water scarcity challenges.

For more details, visit the PMKSY Official Website or contact your nearest Agriculture Department Office.

Read about Kisan Credit Card (KCC) here

Got more questions about Indian Government processes and schemes? Ask jaankaarbharat.com