Does PMKSY give me money to dig a new borewell?

Generally, PMKSY focuses on efficient use of existing water (like drip systems) or surface water (canals, ponds). Subsidies for digging private borewells are rare under PMKSY and are usually covered under specific state-level schemes.

How much subsidy will I get for a drip irrigation system?

If you are a small/marginal farmer, you can get up to a 55% subsidy on the benchmark cost of the system. Other farmers get up to 45%.

Do I buy the equipment first or apply for the subsidy first?

You MUST apply for the subsidy first and get prior approval from the Agriculture/Horticulture department. If you install the system before getting official approval, your subsidy claim will be rejected.

Can I buy equipment from any shop?

No. To get the subsidy, you must purchase the micro-irrigation equipment from manufacturing companies and dealers specifically empanelled and approved by your State Government.

What is the AIBP component of PMKSY?

AIBP stands for Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme. It is a massive infrastructure component where the central government funds states to quickly complete major and medium river/dam irrigation projects that have been stalled.

Why is my micro-irrigation subsidy delayed?

Subsidies are usually released only after the equipment is installed, a government officer physically inspects the farm, and the geo-tagged photos are uploaded to the portal. Delays often happen during the physical verification stage.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana

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Agriculture & Farmers

Researched by Abhijit ChowdhuryPublished: 26 Jun 2026Last verified: 1 Oct 2026

Quick Summary

Detail	Information
Scheme Name	Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
Launched	1 July 2015
Ministry	Jal Shakti, Agriculture, and Rural Development
Beneficiaries	Farmers and State Water Infrastructure
Benefit	Expansion of irrigation networks & micro-irrigation subsidies
Official Website	pmksy.gov.in

About the Scheme

Launched in 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was created to tackle India's heavy reliance on unpredictable monsoons. Operating under the twin visions of "Har Khet Ko Pani" (Water to every field) and "Per Drop More Crop" (Maximizing water efficiency), PMKSY is a multi-ministry mega-scheme.The scheme has two main faces. The first involves massive, state-level infrastructure—building large dams, restoring water bodies, and watershed development (managed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and Rural Development). The second face directly benefits individual farmers through the Department of Agriculture, providing heavy subsidies to install modern drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, thereby saving water and boosting crop yields.

Benefits & Financial Assistance

The most direct financial benefit for an individual farmer comes from the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) - Micro Irrigation component:

Heavy Subsidies: The government provides immense financial assistance to farmers installing drip or sprinkler irrigation systems. Small and Marginal Farmers receive up to 55% subsidy on the cost of the system. Other Farmers receive up to 45% subsidy.
Water & Cost Savings: Micro-irrigation uses significantly less water, reduces electricity consumption for pumping, and saves on labor and fertilizer costs (through fertigation).
Increased Income: Precision watering leads to healthier crops and higher yields, directly increasing the farmer's market income.
Macro Infrastructure Benefits: While not a direct cash transfer, farmers also benefit from canals and restored village ponds built under the Har Khet Ko Pani and Watershed Development components of PMKSY.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply for Micro-Irrigation (PDMC) Subsidy:

All farmers owning agricultural land in India.
Small and marginal farmers are given preference and higher subsidy rates.
The applicant must have an assured source of water (like a borewell, well, or canal access) and an active electricity connection for the pump.

Who CANNOT apply:

Farmers without legal land ownership or recognized tenancy rights.
Farmers seeking subsidies for the same piece of land if they have already availed of an irrigation subsidy recently (lock-in periods apply depending on state rules).

Documents Required

To apply for the micro-irrigation (drip/sprinkler) subsidy, you generally need:

Aadhaar Card
Land Ownership Records (7/12 extract, Khatauni, or RoR)
Electricity Bill (Proof of power connection for the water pump)
Bank Passbook (Aadhaar-seeded for DBT of subsidy)
Quotation/Estimate (From a government-approved micro-irrigation vendor)

How to Apply

For Individual Farmers (Micro-Irrigation Subsidy): Because PMKSY is implemented by State Governments, the application process is handled at the state level.

Contact an approved micro-irrigation vendor/dealer in your area (like Jain Irrigation, Netafim, etc., recognized by the state).
The vendor will survey your field and create an estimate.
Submit your application online through your State's Agriculture / Horticulture Portal (e.g., MahaDBT in Maharashtra, MeeSeva in AP/Telangana) along with the vendor's estimate and your land/Aadhaar documents.
Alternatively, submit the physical forms to the District Agriculture / Horticulture Office.
Once approved, the system is installed, physically verified by government officers, and the subsidy amount is transferred via DBT.

Latest Updates (2026)

Scheme Extension: PMKSY has been fully approved and funded for implementation through 2025-26, with the 2026-27 Union Budget allocating ₹6,587 crore to keep the momentum going.
M-CADWM Introduction: The government has introduced the Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) sub-scheme to rapidly repair and modernize older, inefficient canal networks.
Decentralized Planning: Heavy emphasis is being placed on District Irrigation Plans (DIP), meaning local officials have more power to approve water projects that specifically suit their district's geography.