India’s agricultural growth has always been closely linked to the availability of water. While the country has made progress in building dams, canals, and tube wells, a large part of farmland still depends on rainfall. Irregular monsoons, falling groundwater levels, and inefficient irrigation practices continue to create uncertainty for farmers. These challenges directly affect crop yields, farm incomes, and the long-term sustainability of agriculture.
To address these issues in a structured and long-term manner, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana with the aim of strengthening irrigation infrastructure and improving water use efficiency. The scheme is built on the idea that agriculture cannot thrive without reliable access to water and that water resources must be managed carefully. By focusing on both expanding irrigation coverage and promoting efficient water use, the scheme plays a critical role in supporting farmers and improving agricultural resilience. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana goes beyond traditional irrigation projects. It integrates water conservation, source sustainability, and modern irrigation technologies into a single framework. This approach helps farmers reduce their dependence on monsoons, lower cultivation costs, and adopt practices that are environmentally sustainable. Over the years, the scheme has emerged as one of the most important initiatives for strengthening India’s irrigation ecosystem.
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2015 with two guiding principles: Har Khet Ko Pani and Per Drop More Crop. The first focuses on ensuring that irrigation water reaches every agricultural field, while the second emphasizes using water more efficiently at the farm level. Together, these principles reflect a balanced approach that combines expansion with efficiency. One of the defining features of this scheme is its integrated nature. Instead of treating irrigation as a standalone activity, it links water source creation, distribution networks, and on-farm water management. Multiple ministries and state governments work together under this framework, ensuring better coordination and planning. The scheme also aims to reduce the long-standing gap between irrigation potential created and irrigation potential actually used, which has limited the impact of earlier programs.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana |
| Year Of Launch | 2015 |
| Type Of Scheme | Centrally Sponsored |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry Of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare |
| Core Focus | Irrigation Expansion And Water Efficiency |
| Key Principles | Har Khet Ko Pani, Per Drop More Crop |
| Coverage | All States and Union Territories |
| Primary Beneficiaries | Farmers With Emphasis On Small And Marginal Farmers |
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana represents a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to irrigation development in India. By combining infrastructure creation, water conservation, and efficient irrigation practices, the scheme addresses both immediate and long-term challenges faced by farmers. Its inclusive design and emphasis on sustainability make it a cornerstone of India’s agricultural development strategy. As water scarcity becomes an increasingly critical issue, the continued effective implementation of this scheme will be vital for ensuring resilient and sustainable agriculture in the years ahead.
Objectives Of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
- The primary objective of the scheme is to ensure assured irrigation to agricultural land. Many irrigation projects in India remained incomplete or underutilized for years, resulting in wasted investment and limited benefits for farmers. The scheme seeks to complete such projects and bring more cultivable land under reliable irrigation.
- Another important objective is to improve water use efficiency at the farm level. Traditional flood irrigation methods often lead to significant water loss through runoff and evaporation. By encouraging modern irrigation practices, the scheme helps farmers use less water while achieving better yields. In addition, the scheme promotes sustainable water management by supporting conservation, recharge, and efficient distribution of water resources.
Components Of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme
- This component focuses on completing long-pending major and medium irrigation projects. Priority is given to projects that are in advanced stages of construction so that benefits can reach farmers quickly. Completing these projects helps unlock irrigation potential that has remained unused despite substantial investment.
- The Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme also helps states improve planning and monitoring of large irrigation projects. By ensuring timely completion, it reduces cost overruns and enhances the overall efficiency of irrigation infrastructure.
Water every field
- Har Khet Ko Pani aims to expand irrigation coverage by creating new water sources and strengthening existing distribution systems. This includes surface water schemes such as canals and lift irrigation, as well as groundwater development where feasible. Repair, renovation, and restoration of traditional water bodies are also part of this component.
- The focus here is on equitable distribution of water so that even tail-end farmers receive adequate irrigation. By improving last-mile connectivity, this component helps ensure that water actually reaches farmers’ fields.
Per Drop More Crop
- The Per Drop More Crop component promotes efficient water use at the farm level. It encourages farmers to adopt micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler irrigation. These systems deliver water directly to the root zone of crops, reducing wastage and improving productivity.
- In addition to micro-irrigation, this component supports precision farming practices, water-saving technologies, and awareness programs. The goal is to help farmers maximize output while minimizing water and energy consumption.
Watershed Development
- The watershed development component focuses on rainfed and drought-prone areas where irrigation infrastructure alone may not be sufficient. It emphasizes soil and water conservation measures such as contour bunding, check dams, and moisture retention practices.
- By improving groundwater recharge and soil health, watershed development helps enhance agricultural productivity and livelihoods in vulnerable regions. It also contributes to long-term sustainability by addressing land degradation and water scarcity.
Eligibility Under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
- The scheme is inclusive and does not restrict benefits to a narrow category of farmers. Small and marginal farmers, tenant farmers, and sharecroppers are eligible to benefit from different components of the scheme. Eligibility criteria may vary slightly depending on the component and state-level guidelines.
- For micro-irrigation subsidies, priority is often given to small and marginal farmers, farmers in water-stressed areas, and those cultivating water-efficient crops. States identify eligible beneficiaries based on local needs and available resources.
Coverage And Area Focus
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana covers all states and union territories of India. However, implementation is based on region-specific requirements rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. States prepare district irrigation plans that assess local water availability, irrigation gaps, and agricultural priorities. Special focus is given to drought-prone areas, rainfed regions, tribal areas, and districts with low irrigation coverage. This decentralized planning approach helps address diverse challenges related to water availability and agricultural practices across the country.
Subsidy Highlights
Subsidy support is a major incentive for farmers under the scheme, especially for adopting micro-irrigation systems. Farmers installing drip or sprinkler irrigation systems receive financial assistance to reduce the initial investment cost. Small and marginal farmers generally receive a higher subsidy compared to other farmers. The subsidy structure typically involves cost sharing between the central and state governments. While the exact subsidy percentage varies across states and irrigation systems, the overall aim is to make modern irrigation technologies affordable and accessible.
Funding Pattern and Implementation
The scheme follows a centrally sponsored funding pattern. For most states, the cost is shared between the central and state governments in predefined ratios. Special category states and northeastern states receive a higher central share to support infrastructure development and address regional challenges. Implementation is carried out by state governments through approved action plans. District irrigation plans form the foundation of execution, ensuring alignment with local needs. Regular monitoring and evaluation help track physical and financial progress and improve accountability.
Importance Of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana for Indian Agriculture
- The scheme plays a crucial role in reducing farmers’ dependence on erratic rainfall and improving agricultural stability. Reliable irrigation allows farmers to plan cropping cycles better, increase cropping intensity, and diversify into higher-value crops.
- Efficient water use promoted under the scheme also helps conserve scarce water resources. In the context of climate change and growing water stress, this focus on sustainability is particularly important. Over time, the scheme contributes to higher farm incomes, improved food security, and stronger rural livelihoods.
Challenges And the Way Forward
Despite its strong framework, the scheme faces challenges such as delays in project implementation, uneven adoption of micro-irrigation, and regional disparities. Addressing these issues requires better coordination, timely fund release, and stronger capacity building at the local level. Increasing farmer awareness about efficient irrigation practices and simplifying subsidy procedures can further enhance the impact of the scheme. Greater use of technology for monitoring and planning can also improve outcomes.
FAQs on Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
What Is the Main Aim of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
The main aim is to expand irrigation coverage and improve water use efficiency in agriculture.
Who Can Benefit from The Scheme
All categories of farmers can benefit, with priority given to small and marginal farmers.
Does The Scheme Promote Micro Irrigation
Yes, it supports drip and sprinkler irrigation under the Per Drop More Crop component.
Is The Scheme Implemented Across India
Yes, it covers all states and union territories based on region-specific irrigation needs.
