The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme is a flagship initiative of the Government of India designed to enhance water use efficiency at the farm level through the adoption of micro irrigation systems, including drip and sprinkler irrigation. This scheme promotes precision water management to increase crop productivity and improve farmer incomes while conserving precious water resources. In our extensive experience serving the farming community in Kasaragod district, Kerala, we have witnessed how micro irrigation transforms farming by significantly reducing water consumption and labour costs. Vikas Agro Service, with over 35 years of expertise in pumpsets, irrigation systems, and agricultural machinery, actively supports farmers in understanding and adopting these technologies, which align perfectly with the PMKSY-PDMC objectives. ^[1]

About PMKSY Per Drop More Crop

Launched as part of the broader PMKSY umbrella, the PDMC component specifically focuses on promoting micro irrigation across the country. Under this scheme, the Government provides substantial financial assistance—55% for small and marginal farmers and 45% for other farmers—for the installation of micro irrigation systems. The scheme aims to maximise water use efficiency and increase crop yields per unit of water consumed, following the principle of "More Crop Per Drop," as articulated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. ^[1] Based on our field observations, we have seen that farmers who adopt drip or sprinkler systems not only conserve water but also achieve better crop quality and uniformity, which translates into improved market prices.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the PMKSY-PDMC scheme, farmers must meet the following criteria as per the official guidelines:

Individual farmers, cooperative farming societies, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) are eligible, regardless of land holding size. ^[1]
Maximum subsidy is available for coverage of up to 5 hectares per beneficiary.
Minimum area requirement of 0.05 hectares (approximately 5 cents) is applicable for availing benefits.
Applicants must have access to an assured water source—such as a borewell, open well, canal, or pond—to ensure the viability of the micro irrigation system.
Aadhaar linkage is mandatory for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of the subsidy amount.

How to Apply

Eligible farmers can apply for PMKSY-PDMC through their respective State Agriculture Departments or through empanelled system providers. The application process generally involves the following steps:

Submission of application along with required documents to the District Agriculture Officer or through the state's online portal.
Field verification of land and water source by designated officials.
Technical approval of the proposed micro irrigation system design.
Installation by certified and empanelled vendors, followed by inspection and subsidy release.

Farmers are advised to visit their state agriculture department portal or contact the local agriculture officer for state‑specific procedures and timelines. At Vikas Agro Service, our team has been assisting farmers in Kasaragod with system design, vendor selection, and documentation support for several years, ensuring they can seamlessly benefit from this scheme.

As per the official scheme guidelines, the following documents are typically required for application:

Aadhaar card – for identity verification and DBT linkage. ^[1]
Bank account details (with IFSC code) for subsidy transfer.
Land ownership documents – such as Record of Rights (RoR), Patta, or Khasra, clearly showing the cultivable area.
Water source proof – borewell registration, water connection bill, or any document confirming assured water availability.
Farmer category certificate – SC/ST/Other (if applicable) for additional benefits or priority consideration.

The PMKSY-PDMC scheme covers a range of micro irrigation technologies, as specified in the operational guidelines:

Drip Irrigation: Water is delivered directly to the plant root zone through emitters, minimising evaporation and runoff—ideal for row crops, orchards, and plantations.
Sprinkler Irrigation: Water is sprayed through nozzles in a rainfall-like pattern, suitable for closely spaced crops and undulating terrain. ^[1]
Micro-sprinklers: Low-pressure sprinkler systems designed for smaller areas, often used in horticultural crops.
Fertigation Systems: Combined application of water and fertilisers through the irrigation system, ensuring precise nutrient delivery and improved fertiliser use efficiency.
Rain Gun Systems: High-pressure sprinkler irrigation, typically used for larger fields and specific crops like sugarcane or fodder.

Note: All systems must comply with BIS standards and quality parameters as per scheme guidelines.

The PMKSY-PDMC scheme offers several tangible benefits to adopting farmers, as documented in scheme evaluations:

Water Conservation: Micro irrigation can reduce water consumption by 30–50% compared to conventional flood irrigation, as per official estimates. ^[1]
Higher Yields: Precise water and nutrient application can lead to 20–40% increase in crop productivity, depending on the crop and agronomic practices.
Energy Savings: Reduced pumping requirements due to lower water volumes result in significant electricity or fuel cost savings.
Labour Savings: Automated and semi‑automated systems reduce the manual labour required for irrigation and fertiliser application.
Fertigation Benefits: Efficient nutrient delivery through fertigation leads to better plant health, reduced fertiliser wastage, and lower input costs.
Quality Improvement: Uniform water application enhances crop quality, uniformity, and market value—something we have consistently observed in our interactions with progressive farmers in Kasaragod.

The financial assistance structure under PMKSY-PDMC, as per the government norms, is as follows:

Small & Marginal Farmers: 55% subsidy on the cost of the micro irrigation system. ^[1]
Other Farmers: 45% subsidy on the cost of the system. ^[1]
North Eastern & Himalayan States: 25% higher unit cost consideration to account for remoteness and logistical challenges.
Low Penetration States: 15% higher unit cost consideration to encourage adoption in regions with limited micro irrigation coverage.
Funding Ratio: The central and state governments share the subsidy cost in a 60:40 ratio (90:10 for North Eastern states).
Maximum Coverage: Up to 5 hectares per beneficiary across all categories.

Farmers are advised to check the state‑specific subsidy rates and unit costs, as these may vary based on local government policies.

To ensure successful implementation and subsidy release, farmers should adhere to the following guidelines:

Ensure technical evaluation and installation are carried out by certified and empanelled vendors approved by the state agriculture department.
Regular maintenance is essential for optimal performance and longevity of the micro irrigation system.
Priority is given to SC/ST farmers and women farmers during selection and allocation.
All systems must comply with BIS standards and quality parameters as specified in the scheme's operational guidelines. ^[1]
Farmers should retain all invoices, bank statements, and inspection reports for record‑keeping and future reference.

At Vikas Agro Service, we emphasise the importance of proper system design and maintenance. Our team in Kasaragod routinely advises farmers on selecting the right system and ensuring it is installed and maintained as per specifications to maximise benefits.

PMKSY Official Website

Documents Required

Micro Irrigation Systems

Benefits of PMKSY-PDMC

Subsidy Pattern

Important Guidelines