Per Drop More Crop - Micro Irrigation (PDMC, under PM-RKVY)

What is it?

Per Drop More Crop is the government's micro-irrigation programme. It helps farmers put in drip or sprinkler systems on their fields instead of flooding the land with water.

Drip irrigation delivers a measured amount of water directly to the roots of the plant through pipes and emitters. Sprinkler irrigation spreads water through pipes and spray heads, like light rain. Both use far less water than flood irrigation and can improve yield, and they also allow fertiliser to be given along with the water.

The published financial assistance is 55% of the cost of the micro-irrigation system for small and marginal farmers, and 45% for other farmers. The remaining share is paid by the farmer, sometimes with additional top-up assistance from the State government, which varies from State to State.

On how the scheme is organised: micro-irrigation was a component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana from 2015-16 to 2021-22, and from 2022-23 it has been implemented under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY). PMKSY itself was approved for the period 2021-26 with an overall outlay of Rs 93,068.56 crore.

Because implementation is done by State governments, the way a farmer applies, the empanelled equipment suppliers and any extra State subsidy differ by State. Farmers should approach their district or block agriculture or horticulture office to find the current process in their State.

Potential benefit

Financial assistance of 55% of the cost of a micro-irrigation system for small and marginal farmers, and 45% for other farmers. This covers drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation systems. The rupee value depends on the area covered, the crop and the system installed, and some State governments add a further top-up from their own funds, so no single national rupee figure applies.

Who can apply?

Other conditions stated by the government

• Open to farmers installing drip or sprinkler micro-irrigation systems.
• Small and marginal farmers receive assistance at the higher rate of 55% of system cost.
• Other farmers receive assistance at 45% of system cost.
• Implementation is through State governments, so State-specific conditions, area ceilings and empanelled suppliers apply.

Eligibility information is provided for informational purposes only. Final eligibility and approval are determined by the relevant government authority.

How to apply

The scheme is implemented by State governments, so the farmer applies through the State agriculture or horticulture department - usually at the district or block office, or on the State's own micro-irrigation portal where one exists. The system is installed by a supplier empanelled by the State, and the assistance is released against the approved cost.

Where to apply: offline and online

Deadline

No fixed deadline. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.