Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – Per Drop More Crop

Water is one of the most crucial inputs in agriculture—and in a country like India, where millions of farmers depend on monsoon rains, efficient irrigation is essential for sustainable farming. To address this critical need, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) on 1st July 2015.

Among its four components, “Per Drop More Crop” stands out as a transformative initiative focused on micro irrigation, ensuring that every drop of water delivered to the field contributes to higher crop yield and better farm income.

This component has played a key role in reducing water wastage, conserving resources, and promoting modern farming techniques across India.

Understanding PMKSY: Per Drop More Crop

The Per Drop More Crop initiative is designed to promote precision irrigation—which means delivering the right amount of water directly to the plant root zones through drip and sprinkler systems.

Unlike traditional flood irrigation where 40–50% of water is wasted, micro-irrigation saves huge amounts of water while improving crop health, reducing weed growth, and lowering labour requirements.

The scheme also supports water storage structures, water lifting devices, and other micro-level water conservation systems to ensure farmers have enough water resources even during dry spells.

Key Objectives of PMKSY (Per Drop More Crop)

The scheme focuses on long-term agricultural sustainability. Its objectives can be understood in detail:
1. To Expand the Area Under Micro Irrigation

India has vast agricultural land but limited water availability. By promoting drip and sprinkler systems, the scheme aims to expand micro-irrigation coverage to millions of farmers—helping them use water efficiently.
2.To Enhance Water Use Efficiency

Water scarcity is a growing concern. Micro irrigation ensures optimal water distribution, reducing wastage and improving water productivity.
3.To Improve Crop Productivity & Farmers Income

Precision irrigation means plants receive the right amount of water at the right time. This leads to:

• Better crop growth
• Higher yields
• Improved quality
• Reduced risk of crop failure
  

All of these contribute to increased farmer income.

4. To Promote Irrigation in Water-Intensive Crops
Crops like sugarcane, banana, vegetables, and cotton consume large amounts of water. The scheme promotes micro irrigation in these crops to reduce water consumption and increase efficiency.
5.To Strengthen Fertigation Practices
Fertigation allows farmers to apply fertilizers through the irrigation system itself. It improves:

• Nutrient delivery
• Fertilizer efficiency
• Soil health
• Cost savings
  

6.To Focus on Water-Stressed Regions
It gives special priority to regions facing:

• Low rainfall
• Groundwater depletion
• Drought-like conditions
  

This ensures enough water access and reduces regional disparities.
7.To Integrate Irrigation Projects with Micro Irrigation
Many farmers use tube wells or river-lift systems. Integrating these with micro-irrigation helps reduce energy use and ensures uniform water supply.
8. To Promote Convergence of Schemes
The scheme encourages combining state and central programmes to effectively use existing water sources, including solar-powered irrigation systems.
9.To Build Capacity & Provide Training
Through training, workshops, and demonstrations, farmers learn how to use micro-irrigation systems effectively and maintain them properly.
10.To Create Rural Employment
Installation and maintenance of irrigation systems generate job opportunities for rural youth—both skilled and unskilled.

Major Features of PMKSY

​Holistic Water Management Approach
It addresses water issues at multiple levels:

• Conservation
• Storage
• Efficient delivery
• Smart usage

This ensures long-term sustainability.

It’s Four Components 

1. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP): Speeds up major and medium irrigation projects.
2. Har Khet Ko Pani: Ensures water reaches every farm.
3. Watershed Development: Conserves soil and water in rain-fed areas.
4. Per Drop More Crop: Focuses on micro irrigation and water efficiency.

Why Micro Irrigation Is Important

• Saves up to 50% water
• Increases crop yield by 20–50%
• Reduces weed growth
• Saves labour and energy
• Suitable for uneven lands
  

It encourages farmers to adopt these systems to improve long-term productivity.

Nodal Department for Implementation

The State Agriculture Department is generally the nodal authority responsible for implementing Per Drop More Crop.

However, states have the flexibility to choose a suitable department based on their administrative structure and expertise.
This ensures effective planning, monitoring, and delivery of benefits.

​Benefits to Farmers

The Per Drop More Crop scheme provides comprehensive support to farmers:

1. Subsidy for Micro Irrigation Systems
Farmers receive financial assistance for:

• Drip irrigation
• Sprinkler irrigation
• Water lifting devices
• Water storage structures

2. Subsidy Structure

• Small & Marginal Farmers: 55% subsidy
• Other Farmers: 45% subsidy
• Funding pattern:
• General States: 60% Centre + 40% State
• NE & Himalayan States: 90% Centre + 10% State
• Union Territories: 100% Central Government
  

3. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
The subsidy amount is directly deposited into farmers' bank accounts for transparency and quick processing.

4. Support for Water Harvesting

Farmers can build:

• Farm ponds
• Check dams
• Micro storage tanks
• Community water harvesting structures

This helps secure water even during low rainfall.
5. Freedom to Choose Installation Method
Farmers may:

• Install systems themselves
• Use certified micro irrigation companies

This flexibility ensures convenience and affordability.

6. Improved Water & Crop Management

Micro irrigation helps maintain soil moisture, reduces crop stress, enhances nutrient uptake, and leads to better quality produce.

Eligibility Criteria

To avail benefits under the scheme:

• The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
• All farmers in States/UTs are eligible.
• Subsidy is limited to 5 hectares per beneficiary.
• Only BIS-certified components must be used.
• Aadhaar is mandatory for DBT-based benefits.

Documents Required

1. Aadhaar Card
2. Bank Account Details
3. Address Proof
4. Passport-size Photograph
5. Caste Certificate (if applicable)
6. Proof of Agricultural Land
7. State/UT Domicile Certificate

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Contact Your Local Agriculture Office
Farmers can approach:

• Gram Panchayat
• Block Agriculture Office
• District Agriculture Office
• Or call Kisan Call Centre: 1800-180-1551.

Step 2: Collect the Application Form
Get the official form for PMKSY (Per Drop More Crop) from the concerned office.
Step 3: Fill the Form
Enter all required details, attach a photograph, and self-attest the necessary documents.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Submit the completed form to the designated authority.
Step 5: Receive Acknowledgment
Collect the receipt/acknowledgment as proof of submission.

Also Read: e-NAM: India’s Digital Revolution for “One Nation, One Market” – Complete Guide, Benefits, Eligibility & Registration​

CMV360 Says

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana – Per Drop More Crop is a landmark initiative that empowers farmers to use water efficiently, adopt modern irrigation techniques, and enhance productivity. Through micro irrigation, water harvesting, and financial support, the scheme ensures that every drop of water contributes to sustainable agricultural ways and better livelihoods for millions of farmers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main focus of PMKSY (Per Drop More Crop)?.
Enhancing water use efficiency through micro irrigation and supporting micro-level water conservation. ​

2.When was the scheme launched?
1st July 2015.​

3. Is it a centrally sponsored scheme?
Yes.

4. What are its major components?
AIBP, Har Khet Ko Pani, Watershed Development, and Per Drop More Crop.

5. What is the subsidy structure?
55% for small/marginal farmers and 45% for others.

6. Who is eligible?
All farmers in States and Union Territories.

7. How much land area is covered?
Up to 5 hectares per farmer.

8. How is the subsidy given?
Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

9. Is Aadhaar mandatory?
Yes.

10. How can a farmer apply?
By contacting the nearest Agriculture Office or calling 1800-180-1551.