Micro Irrigation Systems: Government Subsidies, Benefits, and Setup Guide

Friends, let's talk about a true game-changer in agriculture: Micro Irrigation Systems. 

The Power of "Per Drop More Crop"

The vision behind India's Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (PMKSY), particularly its "Per Drop More Crop" component, perfectly encapsulates the essence of micro irrigation. 

The PMKSY scheme, approved on July 1, 2015, aims to extend irrigation coverage with the motto 'Har Khet ko pani' (water to every field) and improve water use efficiency 'More crop per drop'. 

As of 2022-23, the "Per Drop More Crop" scheme is being implemented under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY), solidifying its place in national agricultural strategy.

Government Subsidies: Making the Future Accessible

One of the most encouraging aspects of micro irrigation in India is the strong government support, making this vital technology accessible to farmers. The Central Government, through schemes like PMKSY, offers substantial subsidies:

55% of the indicative unit cost for Small and Marginal Farmers.

45% of the indicative unit cost for Other Farmers.

Beyond this, many State Governments provide additional incentives or "top-up" subsidies, making these systems even more affordable. 

To further facilitate this, a ₹5000 Crore Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) has been created with NABARD, enabling states to avail loans at a reduced interest rate (with 3% interest subvention from the Central Government). 

This fund helps states implement innovative projects and provide further subsidies.

The impact of these initiatives is clear: Over 83 lakh hectares (8.3 million hectares) have been brought under micro-irrigation through the PMKSY-Per Drop More Crop scheme from 2015-2024. (Source: Product for Indians, PIB reports). 

In the year 2022-23 alone, 11.02 Lakh Ha was covered, with 5.32 Lakh Ha under Drip and 5.70 Lakh Ha under Sprinkler systems, as reported by PMKSY itself.

Here's a simplified guide to help you through the process under the PMKSY/RKVY scheme:

1. Initiate Contact & Inquiry: Begin by reaching out to your Block/District Agriculture/Horticulture Office or your local Gram Panchayat. They are your primary point of contact for scheme details specific to your region.

Alternatively, you can call the Kisan Call Centre (Toll-Free No. 1800-180-1551) for guidance and information on the application process and relevant subsidies.

2. Application & Documentation: Obtain the official application form from the concerned authority (Agriculture/Horticulture Department).

Carefully fill in all mandatory fields, attach a signed passport-sized photograph, and compile all necessary self-attested documents. 

These typically include Aadhaar Card, proof of land ownership (e.g., 7/12 extract), and bank account details for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). 

Ensure you purchase BIS-marked systems/components as required by the scheme guidelines.

3. Submission & Follow-Up: Submit your duly filled and signed application form along with all the required documents to the designated receiving authority at the Block/District Agriculture Office.

Crucially, obtain a receipt or acknowledgment of your application submission. 

This serves as proof and will be vital for any future follow-up on your subsidy claim. 

After receiving pre-sanction, you typically have a timeframe (e.g., 30 days in some states) to purchase and install the system and upload the invoices.

The Undeniable Benefits: 

The advantages of micro irrigation extend far beyond water conservation, directly impacting farmer profitability and sustainability:

1. Water Efficiency Redefined: Drip and sprinkler systems achieve an astounding 80-90% water use efficiency, a significant leap from traditional flood irrigation. This translates to **water savings of 40-50% in real-world application, helping farms previously dependent on flood irrigation reduce water usage by nearly half. (Source: Product for Indians, IIM Ahmedabad Study, PMKSY Impact Evaluation).
   
   
2. Increased Crop Yields: By maintaining optimal moisture levels around the root zone, plants thrive, leading to remarkable yield increases. Studies and field reports consistently show: average yield boosts of 20-30% in many beneficiary areas. Specific examples include 35-40% increase for Sugarcane and an incredible up to 216% for Banana. (Source: Product for Indians, IIM Ahmedabad Study) Overall, fruits and vegetables have seen average productivity gains of 42.30% and 52.80% respectively. (Source: PMKSY Impact Evaluation Study 2014)
   
   
3. Reduced Input Costs (Fertilizers & Energy): Micro irrigation systems allow for precise application of fertilizers directly to the root zone (fertigation). This has led to an average reduction of about 28% in total fertilizer consumption. Furthermore, less water pumped means less electricity consumed, resulting in reduced energy costs, with studies reporting electricity consumption cut by around 31%. (Source: PMKSY Impact Evaluation Study 2014)
   
   
4. Significant Income Gains: The combination of reduced input costs and significantly higher yields directly boosts farmer income. Farmers adopting micro-irrigation have seen net profits increase by over 20%, with some progressive farmers reporting up to ₹1 lakh higher profit per hectare compared to traditional flood irrigation. (Source: Product for Indians)
5. Weed and Disease Reduction: By keeping the soil surface drier, micro irrigation inhibits weed growth and reduces the incidence of moisture-related plant diseases, further cutting down on pesticide and labor costs.
   
   
6. Soil Health & Erosion Control: Targeted watering prevents soil erosion and compaction, promoting healthier soil structure and long-term farm productivity.

Conclusion

Micro Irrigation isn’t just about saving water, it’s about securing your farm’s future. With government subsidies under the PMKSY - Per Drop More Crop scheme, proven benefits in yield, cost savings, and improved soil health, there’s never been a better time to adopt this smart farming solution.