PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana Explained: How Farmers Can Get Irrigation Subsidy Benefits

Quick Facts:

• PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana was launched in 2015 with the goal of bringing water to every farm in India under “Har Khet Ko Pani”.
• Small and marginal kisaans can get 55% subsidy on drip and sprinkler systems, while other farmers can get 45% subsidy.
• Subsidy is generally available for up to 5 hectares per farmer, subject to state-specific rules.
• Aadhaar, land records, and an active bank account are usually required for application.
• Farmers can apply through the Block Agriculture Office, District Agriculture Office, or their state agriculture portal.

What is PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and Why Does it Matter?

PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is a central government scheme that helps kisaans install irrigation systems on their zameen and covers a significant part of the installation cost through subsidy support.

Launched on July 01, 2015, the scheme works on two simple goals: getting water to every field and helping farmers use that water better.

For many kisaans in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, rainfall alone is not enough. Groundwater levels are falling in many farming regions, and canal water does not always reach every field.

This is where PMKSY helps. It supports drip and sprinkler irrigation systems so farmers can use water more carefully, reduce wastage, and lower irrigation costs.

What Does PMKSY Cover?

PMKSY is a larger irrigation scheme with multiple parts. For individual kisaans, the most important part is Per Drop More Crop (PDMC).

Here is what each component does:

• Per Drop More Crop (PDMC): Subsidy mainly for drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. In some states, related water delivery structures may also be supported.
• Har Khet Ko Pani: Works on improving irrigation access by creating new water sources and improving old ones.
• Watershed Development Component (WDC-PMKSY 2.0): Focuses on soil and water conservation in rainfed areas.
• Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP): Helps complete pending irrigation projects across the country.

For most farmers looking for an irrigation subsidy in India, PDMC is the main component to focus on mandi bhav.

How Much Subsidy Do You Get Under PMKSY?

The subsidy under PMKSY’s PDMC component works like this:

The cost is shared between the Centre and the state.

• General states: 60:40
• North-eastern and Himalayan states: 90:10
• Union Territories: 100% central funding

Tip: Irrigation systems must be bought only from state-approved vendors that meet the quality standards under the scheme.

Who Can Apply for PMKSY Irrigation Subsidy?

The scheme is open to a wide range of farmers.

You can apply if:

• You are an Indian citizen.
• You own cultivable agricultural land.
• You want to install a drip or sprinkler system.
• You are buying from an approved vendor.

Tenant farmers may also be eligible in some states if they have proper lease documents.

Priority is often given to:

• Small and marginal kisaans
• Farmers in drought-prone areas
• Farmers in rainfed zones

There is no income limit.

• 55% subsidy for small and marginal farmers
• 45% subsidy for other farmers
• Support available for up to 5 hectares
• Covers drip and sprinkler systems
• Payment through DBT after verification
• Apply via the agriculture office or the state portal

What are the Documents Required to Apply?

Before applying, you need these:

• Aadhaar card
• Bank account details
• Land ownership records
• Passport-size photographs
• Water source proof (if required)
• Lease agreement (for tenant farmers where allowed)

After installation, field verification is usually needed before subsidy release.

How to Apply for PMKSY Irrigation Subsidy

Farmers can apply both offline and online.

Offline Process

1. Visit the Gram Panchayat, Block Agriculture Office, or District Agriculture Office.
2. Get a quotation from a state-approved vendor.
3. Collect and fill out the PMKSY application form.
4. Attach required documents.
5. Submit the form and keep the receipt.
6. Wait for the field inspection.
7. After approval, install the system through the approved vendor.
8. After verification, the subsidy is transferred through DBT.

Online Process

Visit your state agriculture department website or the official PMKSY portal.

Register using:

• Aadhaar number
• Mobile number
• Bank details

Upload documents and submit the application.

Drip vs Sprinkler: Which One Should You Choose?

Both are covered under PMKSY, but crop type matters:

Final Thoughts

If you still use flood irrigation or face water shortages on your zameen, PMKSY can make a big difference.

It helps reduce water use, lowers fuel and electricity costs, and supports better crop planning.

Before applying, check your state’s latest subsidy rules, approved vendor list, and deadlines.

For updates on government schemes, mandi bhav, and farming guides, keep checking KhetiKisaan.

FAQs

1. Can tenant farmers apply under PMKSY?

In some states, yes. Tenant farmers with valid lease documents may be eligible. Rules vary by state.

2. Do I get a subsidy before installation?

No. In most cases, farmers first install the system through an approved vendor. The subsidy is released after inspection.

3. Can I apply again if I already got a subsidy earlier?

It depends on your state rules. Usually, the same land parcel may not be eligible again for the same component.

4. Does PMKSY cover farm ponds?

In some states, related water storage or harvesting structures may be supported under other PMKSY components or linked state schemes.

5. Can I buy irrigation equipment from any shop?

No. You must buy from state-approved vendors. Equipment must meet scheme quality standards to qualify for a subsidy.

6. Which crops benefit most from drip irrigation?

Vegetables, fruits, cotton, and sugarcane usually benefit the most because they need a controlled and regular water supply.