Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

Reliable irrigation is important for improving farm productivity, reducing dependence on rainfall and making better use of available water resources. To address these needs, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in 2015-16. The scheme focuses on expanding assured irrigation, improving water-use efficiency, conserving water and strengthening irrigation infrastructure through different components and projects. According to the Government's June 2026 review, PMKSY has benefited more than 2.7 crore farmers and created or restored irrigation potential across more than 2.46 crore hectares, while the Union Budget 2026-27 allocated ₹6,587 crore to the scheme.

PMKSY is an umbrella scheme implemented through different government departments. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP) are implemented by the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, while the Watershed Development Component (WDC) is implemented by the Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development. Central assistance is provided to States for eligible irrigation, command-area and on-farm development activities, with implementation largely carried out through State Governments.

The scheme works around the broader goals of "Har Khet Ko Pani" and "Per Drop More Crop". Its interventions cover irrigation projects, water distribution, minor irrigation, restoration of water bodies, watershed development and other measures aimed at conserving and using water more efficiently. It is important to note that Per Drop More Crop (PDMC), which was earlier implemented under PMKSY, is now being implemented under Pradhan Mantri-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY). :

Farmers interested in irrigation support may also explore the Micro Irrigation Fund, which is related to expanding micro-irrigation coverage, and the Pradhan Mantri KUSUM Yojana, which can support solar-energy solutions for agricultural irrigation. The Kisan Credit Card Scheme may also be useful for farmers looking for credit support for agricultural needs. These related schemes are available on the GovtSchemes.in portal.

Scheme Benefits

The benefits under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) depend on the component and the type of project implemented in the beneficiary's area. The main benefits available through the scheme and its related components include:

• Farmers can get access to assured irrigation water through eligible irrigation projects developed under AIBP and Har Khet Ko Pani.
• Eligible farmers in command areas can benefit from improved water distribution and delivery systems, including modernised irrigation infrastructure under applicable projects.
• Under WDC-PMKSY 2.0, watershed projects can provide facilities such as water-harvesting structures, farm ponds, check dams, soil and moisture conservation works and groundwater-recharge measures, depending on the approved watershed plan.
• WDC-PMKSY 2.0 has a project cost norm of ₹22,000 per hectare in plain areas and up to ₹28,000 per hectare in hilly, difficult and specified LWE areas. This is the project funding norm and is not a direct cash payment of ₹22,000 or ₹28,000 to each farmer.
• Under watershed projects, up to 20% of the project area may be used for plantations including horticulture, helping diversify crops and improve soil and water conservation.
• Up to 15% of WDC-PMKSY 2.0 funds may be used for livelihood activities for asset-less persons, micro-enterprises and business development, including support for women members of Self Help Groups, as provided under the guidelines.
• Under the Per Drop More Crop component, eligible farmers can receive financial assistance of 55% for small and marginal farmers and 45% for other farmers for installing drip or sprinkler micro-irrigation systems.
• Micro-irrigation assistance under Per Drop More Crop is available for up to 5 hectares per beneficiary, subject to the applicable guidelines.
• Some State Governments may provide additional top-up assistance over the prescribed micro-irrigation assistance from their own budgets.

What Are the Components of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana?

PMKSY is an umbrella programme covering different aspects of irrigation and water management. According to the current Government description, its major components are Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP) and the Watershed Development Component (WDC).

The PMKSY portal also contains information on components and interventions that were part of the earlier PMKSY architecture, including Per Drop More Crop and convergence with MGNREGA. However, the current Government position is important: the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme, which was earlier implemented under PMKSY, is now implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY). Therefore, PDMC should not be presented as a current standalone PMKSY component without this clarification.

1. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP)

The Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) focuses on the faster completion of ongoing major and medium irrigation projects. The objective is to create or restore irrigation potential and bring more agricultural land under assured irrigation.

Under PMKSY, AIBP is implemented by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. Central assistance is provided to States for eligible irrigation projects according to the applicable guidelines.

Main Features of AIBP

• Focuses on faster completion of eligible major and medium irrigation projects.
• Supports creation of additional irrigation potential.
• Includes eligible National and Special Projects under the applicable framework.
• Supports irrigation infrastructure that can provide assured water to agricultural areas.
• Implementation is carried out through the concerned State Governments and agencies.

2. Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP)

Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP) focuses on improving access to irrigation water and strengthening the distribution of available water resources. It covers different interventions related to water sources, irrigation distribution and water management.

Under HKKP, interventions can include the creation of new water sources through minor irrigation, repair and restoration of water bodies, groundwater-related irrigation, command-area development and strengthening of irrigation distribution networks.

Major Areas Covered Under HKKP

• Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI): Supports eligible minor irrigation schemes based on surface water sources.
• Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR): Focuses on restoring eligible traditional water bodies and improving their irrigation potential.
• Command Area Development and Water Management: Supports development and improvement of irrigation distribution systems in command areas.
• Groundwater-related interventions: Supports eligible groundwater irrigation projects under the applicable component and guidelines.

Benefits of HKKP

• Helps expand access to irrigation water.
• Supports creation and improvement of irrigation potential.
• Helps restore traditional water bodies and their irrigation capacity.
• Improves water distribution from the source towards agricultural fields.
• Supports better utilisation of available water resources.

3. Watershed Development Component (WDC-PMKSY)

The Watershed Development Component of PMKSY focuses on improving rainfed and degraded areas through scientific watershed treatment and water conservation measures.

The component is implemented by the Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development. WDC-PMKSY activities focus on conserving soil and water, improving moisture availability, developing water-harvesting structures and supporting sustainable livelihoods in watershed areas.

Major Activities Under WDC-PMKSY

• Water-harvesting structures such as check dams, farm ponds and tanks.
• Ridge-area treatment and drainage-line treatment.
• Soil and moisture conservation.
• Groundwater recharge and water conservation activities.
• Plantation, horticulture and pasture development.
• Livelihood-support activities for eligible rural households.
• Capacity building and community participation.
• Use of GIS and remote-sensing technologies for watershed planning and monitoring.

4. Per Drop More Crop Under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) has been closely associated with PMKSY because it promotes efficient use of water through micro-irrigation technologies such as drip and sprinkler irrigation.

However, there is an important current-status update. PDMC was implemented as a component of PMKSY up to 2021-22. From 2022-23, the scheme has been implemented under Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY).

Therefore, farmers looking for current assistance for drip or sprinkler irrigation should check the latest PDMC guidelines and the application process notified by their State Agriculture or Horticulture Department rather than assuming that the assistance is being processed directly through PMKSY.

Micro-Irrigation Assistance

• Drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation are the major micro-irrigation systems promoted under PDMC.
• The central assistance pattern under PDMC provides up to 55% assistance for small and marginal farmers and up to 45% for other farmers, subject to the applicable guidelines.
• States may provide additional assistance according to their own provisions.
• Farmers should follow the latest State-level application and verification process.

Overall Benefits of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

PMKSY is primarily an irrigation and water-management programme rather than a conventional direct cash-transfer scheme. The benefits available to farmers and rural communities depend on the component and the project through which the intervention is implemented.

• Expansion of Irrigation: Supports creation and development of irrigation potential in agricultural areas.
• Better Water Availability: Helps improve access to irrigation water through approved water-source and distribution projects.
• Water Conservation: Promotes rainwater harvesting, water storage, soil-moisture conservation and watershed treatment.
• Improved Water-Use Efficiency: Promotes efficient irrigation and better utilisation of available water resources.
• Restoration of Water Bodies: Supports repair, renovation and restoration of eligible traditional water bodies.
• Watershed Development: Supports treatment of rainfed and degraded areas and related livelihood activities.

Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM)

The Government has introduced the Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) as a sub-scheme of PMKSY. It focuses on modernising irrigation-water distribution and improving delivery of water to agricultural fields.

Main Features of M-CADWM

• Underground pressurised irrigation-water distribution systems.
• Farm-gate delivery of irrigation water.
• Infrastructure compatible with micro-irrigation.
• Use of SCADA and IoT-based technologies.
• Water accounting and improved monitoring.
• Greater participation of Water User Societies.

The Cabinet-approved pilot has an outlay of ₹1,600 crore, including a Central share of ₹1,100 crore and a State share of ₹500 crore.

Who Can Benefit From Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana?

PMKSY does not have one universal beneficiary definition because it is an umbrella programme with different components and project-based interventions.

• Farmers covered by approved irrigation projects may benefit from irrigation infrastructure created under AIBP and HKKP.
• Farmers and rural communities located in approved watershed areas may benefit from WDC-PMKSY activities.
• Beneficiaries of State-level irrigation and water-management interventions must satisfy the conditions prescribed by the concerned implementing department.
• For micro-irrigation assistance under PDMC, farmers must meet the applicable current PDMC and State-level conditions.

Farmers should not assume that every Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana component has the same eligibility requirements. The applicable conditions depend on the component, project and implementing State.

General Eligibility for Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

Since Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana includes different components, there is no single eligibility list applicable to every intervention. In general, eligibility is determined according to the approved project, component guidelines and State-level implementation rules.

• The applicant or beneficiary should fall within the area or category covered by the relevant Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana intervention.
• The land, irrigation project or watershed area must satisfy the conditions prescribed under the applicable component.
• Farmers seeking State-level assistance must meet the conditions notified by the concerned Agriculture, Horticulture, Irrigation or other implementing department.
• Additional eligibility requirements may apply to specific interventions.
• Applicants must complete the prescribed verification and documentation process.

Farmers should check the latest instructions issued by their State implementing department before applying because the application process and eligibility requirements may differ between States and components.

Required Documents

PMKSY does not prescribe one common document list for every component. The documents required may vary according to the intervention and State. Depending on the applicable programme, applicants may be asked to provide:

• Aadhaar or another prescribed identity document.
• Land ownership or land-related records, wherever applicable.
• Farmer registration details, wherever applicable.
• Bank account details for eligible financial assistance or DBT payments.
• Mobile number and other contact details.
• Photographs or other documents required by the implementing department.
• Additional documents prescribed under the particular component or State programme.

Applicants should verify the exact document requirements with the concerned State or district implementing authority before submitting an application.

Steps to Apply

PMKSY does not have one common application procedure for all its components. The process depends on the type of assistance and the implementing State or agency.

General Application Process

1. Identify the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) component or intervention relevant to your requirement.
2. Check whether the intervention is being implemented in your area.
3. Visit the official website of the concerned State Agriculture, Horticulture, Irrigation, Rural Development or other implementing department.
4. Check the latest eligibility conditions and application instructions.
5. Complete the prescribed registration or application process, where applicable.
6. Submit the required documents and land or beneficiary details.
7. Complete field verification or departmental verification, if required.
8. Track the application, project or benefit status through the concerned State or departmental system.

It is advises farmers seeking benefits to contact their nearest Agriculture Department office or the District Agriculture Officer/District Horticulture Officer for information about the applicable assistance.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and Per Drop More Crop: What Is the Difference?

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and MGNREGA Convergence

The original PMKSY framework envisaged convergence with programmes such as MGNREGA for activities related to water conservation and creation of water-related assets. Such convergence can support activities such as rainwater harvesting, farm ponds, water conservation structures and other eligible works according to the applicable guidelines and State implementation arrangements.

Important Points to Remember

• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana was launched in 2015-16 to improve irrigation access and water-use efficiency.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana is an umbrella irrigation and water-management programme rather than a single direct cash-benefit scheme.
• The current major components are AIBP, HKKP and WDC.
• AIBP focuses on eligible major and medium irrigation projects and creation of irrigation potential.
• HKKP focuses on improving access to irrigation water and strengthening irrigation distribution and related water-management interventions.
• WDC-PMKSY focuses on watershed development, soil and moisture conservation, water harvesting and sustainable development of rainfed areas.
• There is no single application process applicable to every PMKSY component.
• Farmers should check the latest instructions of their State's concerned implementing department before applying.

Relevant Links

• Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana – Official Portal
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana Dashboard
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana Operational Guidelines
• WDC-PMKSY – Department of Land Resources

Contact Information

For farmer-level micro-irrigation assistance, applicants should contact the Agriculture or Horticulture Department of their respective State because beneficiary registration, verification and subsidy implementation are handled through the State-level system.

• Phone: Contact the concerned State Agriculture/Horticulture Department or Kisan Call Centre at 18001801551
• Email: Contact details vary according to the concerned State and implementing department
• Address: Concerned State Agriculture/Horticulture Department or designated PMKSY/PDMC implementing office