The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) is a Government of India initiative aimed at improving irrigation coverage and water-use efficiency in agriculture. It focuses on expanding assured irrigation, promoting micro-irrigation, and encouraging sustainable water management. Through this, PMKSY helps boost crop productivity and reduce farmers’ dependence on rainfall.
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana is a national-level programme designed to develop irrigation infrastructure and promote water-use efficiency in agriculture. Its primary objective is to ensure “Har Khet Ko Pani” (water to every field) by improving access to reliable irrigation sources and strengthening water distribution systems.
Under PMKSY, various irrigation-related initiatives are brought together under one umbrella, including major and minor irrigation projects, watershed management, and micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler methods. The scheme also encourages farmers to “More Crop Per Drop” by using water efficiently and adopting modern irrigation techniques.
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) aims to expand irrigation coverage, improve water-use efficiency, and support sustainable agriculture for farmers across India.
Launch Year: 2015
Objective: “Har Khet Ko Pani” (Water to every field)
Water Efficiency Focus: “More Crop Per Drop”
Target Area: Expansion of assured irrigation coverage
Irrigation Methods Promoted: Drip and sprinkler systems**
Key Components: Major & minor irrigation, watershed development, micro-irrigation
Beneficiaries: Farmers across rural and semi-arid regions of India
Implementation: Central and State Governments
Core Benefit:sa Improved crop yield and reduced water wastage
Long-term Goal: Sustainable water management and climate-resilient farming
Stay informed about the latest developments, budget allocations, and policy changes related to Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, including updates on irrigation projects, watershed programs, and modernisation initiatives.
The Union Budget 2026 has earmarked ₹6,587 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, marking a reduction compared with the previous year’s outlay, with continued focus on irrigation efficiency and monitoring.
Large and medium irrigation projects under PMKSY will continue under existing commitments, emphasising ongoing implementation rather than major new scheme launches in this budget cycle.
Budget 2026 supports irrigation through strategies such as solar pumps (e.g., under linked schemes like KUSUM), aimed at reducing irrigation costs, though concerns remain about groundwater sustainability without tighter water governance.
The Watershed Development Component of PMKSY (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) continues under a multi-year framework (2021–26) with a central outlay and physical targets, and its financing flows through the Department of Land Resources’ budget head.
The Cabinet has previously approved the Modernisation of Command
Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) as a sub-scheme of PMKSY (2025–26) with an initial outlay of ₹1,600 crore, boosting irrigation infrastructure modernisation efforts.
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Here are the key objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), focusing on improving irrigation efficiency, promoting modern technologies, and supporting sustainable agricultural growth in India.
Expand the use of micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler) to improve water efficiency.
Increase crop productivity and farmers’ income through precision irrigation.
Promote micro-irrigation in water-intensive and field crops.
Encourage fertigation for better nutrient and water management.
Support irrigation in water-scarce and groundwater-stressed areas.
Integrate tube-well and lift irrigation with pressurised systems.
Strengthen water harvesting and micro-level storage.
Promote convergence with other schemes, including solar irrigation.
Develop and spread modern irrigation technologies.
Create employment opportunities in installation and maintenance of systems.
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) is structured around four key components that collectively strengthen irrigation infrastructure and promote sustainable agriculture across India.
AIBP focuses on completing long-pending major and medium irrigation projects such as dams, canals, and reservoirs.
Expands large-scale irrigation infrastructure.
Increases the area under assured irrigation.
Improves water availability for multiple districts and farming clusters.
Reduces dependence on erratic monsoon rainfall.
Har Khet Ko Pani aims to provide irrigation access to every cultivable field, especially in remote and tail-end areas.
Extends irrigation coverage to uncovered regions.
Develops field channels, pipelines, and lift irrigation systems.
Improves last-mile water connectivity.
Ensures equitable distribution of irrigation resources.
This component promotes micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler irrigation to maximise water efficiency at the farm level.
Encourages precision irrigation and fertigation.
Reduces water wastage and input costs.
Enhances crop productivity and farmer income.
Supports climate-resilient and sustainable farming practices.
Watershed Development focuses on rainwater harvesting, soil conservation, and groundwater recharge in rain-fed and drought-prone areas.
Promotes construction of check dams, farm ponds, and bunds.
Prevents soil erosion and improves moisture retention.
Enhances groundwater levels.
Supports long-term water sustainability in agriculture.
As per guidelines issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare eligibility criteria for PMKSY are as follows:
The applicant must be a citizen of India.
All farmers across States and Union Territories are eligible.
Both small, marginal, and other farmers can apply for benefits.
The applicant must own or cultivate agricultural land.
Subsidy benefits are limited to a maximum of 5 hectares per beneficiary.
Only BIS-certified irrigation systems and components are eligible.
The beneficiary must have a valid Aadhaar card for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
A linked bank account is mandatory to receive financial assistance.
Farmers must agree to install and use micro-irrigation systems as per scheme guidelines.
Farmers can apply for PMKSY through both offline and online modes:
Step 1: Visit your nearest Gram Panchayat, Block Office, or District Agriculture Office.
Step 2: Contact the Agriculture Officer and request the PMKSY application form.
Step 3: Collect and carefully fill in all required details in the form.
Step 4: Attach the necessary documents (self-attested copies).
Step 5: Submit the completed form to the designated authority.
Step 6: Obtain an acknowledgement/receipt for future reference.
Step 7: Field verification may be conducted by officials if required.
Step 8: After approval, the subsidy amount is transferred directly to your bank account through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
Step 1: Visit the official portal on myScheme or your State Agriculture Department website.
Step 2: Search for “Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana” or “Per Drop More Crop”.
Step 3: Click on Apply Online / Check Eligibility.
Step 4: Register using your Aadhaar number and mobile number.
Step 5: Log in and fill in the online application form.
Step 6: Upload scanned copies of required documents.
Step 7: Submit the application and note the reference number.
Step 8: Track your application status online.
Step 9: After approval, the subsidy is credited directly to your bank account.
Aadhaar Card
Bank Account Details
Address Proof
Passport-size Photograph
Land Ownership / Cultivation Proof
Caste Certificate (if applicable)
State/UT Domicile Certificate
Scheme Head Office (PMKSY) – Government of India
Address: Krishi Bhawan, Room No. 115, New Delhi – 110001, India
Email (Scheme Support): support.pmksy-dac@gov.in
Official Scheme Website: https://pmksy.gov.in/
Farmer Support & Helpline
Kisan Call Centre (Toll-Free): 1800-180-1551 (for queries relating to PMKSY and other agricultural schemes)
Additional Support Contacts (Scheme-related)
PMKSY Helpdesk Phone Numbers:
022-26539895
022-26539896
022-26539899
PMKSY is a Government of India scheme that aims to improve irrigation facilities and promote efficient water use in agriculture through modern and sustainable practices.
The main goal is to ensure “Har Khet Ko Pani” (water to every field) and promote “More Crop Per Drop” by enhancing water-use efficiency.
All farmers across India, including small, marginal, and medium farmers, who own or cultivate agricultural land can benefit from the scheme.
No, PMKSY does not provide direct cash. It offers subsidies and financial assistance for installing micro-irrigation and water management systems through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The scheme covers major and minor irrigation projects, canal systems, lift irrigation, drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, and water harvesting structures.
Micro-irrigation helps farmers save water, reduce wastage, improve crop yield, lower input costs, and support fertigation for better nutrient management.
Yes, PMKSY is integrated with other central and state schemes such as watershed development, solar irrigation programmes, and rural employment schemes for better resource utilisation.
Farmers can apply through their local Agriculture Office, Gram Panchayat, or State Agriculture Department portal, either online or offline.
Yes, PMKSY is implemented across all States and Union Territories of India.
PMKSY improves irrigation access, conserves water, increases farm productivity, supports climate-resilient farming, and helps raise farmers’ income, making agriculture more sustainable.
