Introduction
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) is a flagship irrigation initiative launched by the Government of India in July 2015. Its primary objective is to extend the coverage of irrigation and enhance water use efficiency in the agricultural sector. The scheme is built on the vision of “Har Khet Ko Pani”, which means providing water to every field. This goal underscores the government’s commitment to increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring sustainable water resource management.
Objectives of Krishi Sinchai Yojana
The PMKSY was developed with a multi-dimensional objective framework. The key objectives of the scheme are:
- Expand Irrigation Coverage: Bring more land area under assured irrigation.
- Improve Water Use Efficiency: Promote precision irrigation methods such as drip and sprinkler systems.
- Integration of Water Resources: Converge investments in irrigation at the field level.
- On-farm Water Management: Improve on-farm water use through the construction of micro-irrigation structures.
- Enhance Productivity: Ultimately increase the agricultural yield by ensuring regular and adequate water supply.
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Scheme Components
PMKSY consists of four major components:
1. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP)
AIBP focuses on fast-tracking the completion of ongoing major and medium irrigation projects.
2. Har Khet Ko Pani
This sub-scheme ensures water accessibility to every field by developing new irrigation sources, repairing existing sources, and distributing water efficiently.
3. Per Drop More Crop
This component promotes water-efficient technologies, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, especially in areas with water scarcity.
4. Watershed Development
It aims at soil and water conservation, groundwater recharge, and effective use of rainwater.
PM Krishi Irrigation Project Implementation Strategy
The implementation of the PMKSY is coordinated through a multi-agency approach involving:
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (for Per Drop More Crop)
- Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (for AIBP and Har Khet Ko Pani)
- Ministry of Rural Development (for Watershed Development)
The central government provides a significant share of the funding, while the remaining portion is borne by state governments. States are encouraged to draw up District Irrigation Plans (DIPs) and State Irrigation Plans (SIPs).
Beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
The direct beneficiaries of the PMKSY scheme include:
- Small and Marginal Farmers: With limited land and water resources.
- Rain-fed Area Farmers: Those reliant on inconsistent rainfall patterns.
- Farmers in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions: Where water scarcity is a pressing issue.
- New Farmers: Those who have recently taken up agriculture as a profession.
By focusing on inclusivity, the scheme aims to boost overall agricultural resilience and income.
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Documents Required for the Scheme
To apply for benefits under the Krishi Sinchai Yojana program, farmers need to furnish the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- Land Ownership Documents
- Bank Account Details (with IFSC code)
- Passport-sized Photographs
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Income Certificate
How to Apply for PMKSY
Eligible farmers can apply for the scheme by following these steps:
- Visit the nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or agricultural department office.
- Obtain the PMKSY Application Form.
- Submit required documents along with the completed form.
- You can apply online through the respective state government’s agriculture department portals or the National Agriculture Portal.
- Verification and Approval: The submitted application is verified, and eligible farmers are enrolled in the program.
Financial Assistance and Subsidies
Under PMKSY, farmers can receive subsidies of up to 55% to 60% of the cost for setting up micro-irrigation systems like drip or sprinkler irrigation. In some states, additional top-ups are provided to SC/ST and women farmers.
Technology Integration
PMKSY is supported by technology platforms and satellite mapping to monitor the progress of irrigation infrastructure and ensure efficient implementation. Geo-tagging of assets and mobile apps for farmer outreach is part of the scheme’s digital strategy.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The government regularly evaluates the performance of PMKSY through:
- Third-party evaluations
- Impact assessment studies
- Remote sensing technology
- State-level monitoring committees
Achievements and Impact
Since its launch, PMKSY has brought a significant transformation in India’s irrigation landscape:
- Increased irrigated area: More than 70 lakh hectares of land have been brought under irrigation.
- Adoption of micro-irrigation: Farmers are adopting water-saving technologies at a rapid pace.
- Improved crop yields and incomes due to consistent water availability.
Challenges and Way Forward
While the PM Krishi irrigation project has had notable success, challenges remain:
- Bureaucratic delays in fund disbursal.
- Low awareness among farmers in remote regions.
- Maintenance of infrastructure after installation.
The government plans to strengthen local level planning, improve transparency through digital tools, and increase capacity building initiatives for farmers.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana represents a holistic approach to irrigation development and water conservation in India. By promoting efficient water use and expanding irrigation coverage, it directly supports agricultural growth and farmer prosperity. The integration of modern technologies, collaborative governance, and inclusive beneficiary targeting has made PMKSY a vital tool for rural transformation. However, continuous investment, farmer education, and infrastructure maintenance are essential for the scheme to achieve its full potential. As India faces climate challenges and water stress, schemes like PMKSY will be increasingly critical in ensuring food security and sustainable rural livelihoods.