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Aug 20, 2026
by Pankaj Sihag
PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana Explained: How Farmers Can Get Irrigation Subsidy Benefits
Table of Contents 
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.
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:
For most farmers looking for an irrigation subsidy in India, PDMC is the main component to focus on.
The subsidy under PMKSY’s PDMC component works like this:
| Farmer Category | Subsidy Rate | Maximum Eligible Area | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Small and marginal farmers (As defined under agricultural landholding norms) |
55% of benchmark cost | Up to 5 hectares (Subject to individual state rules) |
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) (Sent directly to bank account) |
| Other farmers (Holding more than 2 hectares) |
45% of the benchmark cost | Up to 5 hectares (Subject to individual state rules) |
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) (Sent directly to bank account) |
The cost is shared between the Centre and the state.
The scheme is open to a wide range of farmers.
You can apply if:
Tenant farmers may also be eligible in some states if they have proper lease documents.
Priority is often given to:
There is no income limit.
Before applying, you need these:
After installation, field verification is usually needed before subsidy release.
Farmers can apply both offline and online.
Visit your state agriculture department website or the official PMKSY portal.
Register using:
Upload documents and submit the application.
Both are covered under PMKSY, but crop type matters:
| Feature | Drip Irrigation | Sprinkler Irrigation |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Vegetables, sugarcane, cotton, fruits | Gehun, chana, makka, fodder crops |
| How it works | Delivers water directly to the root zone | Sprays water uniformly across the full field |
| Water saved | 40% to 50% vs. traditional flooding | 20% to 30% vs. traditional flooding |
| Setup cost | Higher initial setup expense | Moderate and budget-friendly setup |
| Government subsidy | 55% for small/marginal, 45% for others | Same PMKSY subsidy rates apply |
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.
