PMKSY Per Drop More Crop: Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation Subsidy Explained

Updated: 30 September 2026 · Last Verified: 30 September 2026 · By: Akshay Kumar, Editor

Quick Answer

Under the Per Drop More Crop component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), the government gives financial assistance for installing drip and sprinkler irrigation: 55% of the unit cost for small and marginal farmers and 45% for other farmers, for up to five hectares per beneficiary. The scheme is run through state governments, so you apply through your state’s agriculture or horticulture department, following your state’s process. Some states add their own top-up subsidy. This is a different scheme from PM-KUSUM, which subsidises solar pumps; the two solve different problems.

Key Highlights

Last Verified: 24 September 2026

What Is Per Drop More Crop?

PMKSY aims to extend irrigation coverage under two ideas: “Har Khet Ko Pani” (water to every field) and “More Crop Per Drop” (using water more efficiently). Per Drop More Crop is the part that works at the farm level. It promotes micro irrigation — drip systems that deliver water to the root zone drop by drop, and sprinklers that spray it over the crop — so you use less water for the same crop. The scheme began in 2015-16 as a component of PMKSY and, from 2022-23, is implemented under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).

Because it is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the cost is shared between the Central and State Governments in the ratio 60:40, or 90:10 in the North-Eastern and Himalayan states. To help states raise money for expanding micro irrigation, a Micro Irrigation Fund of ₹5,000 crore was also created with NABARD in 2018-19.

Benefits

• 55% assistance for small and marginal farmers: financial assistance of 55% of the unit cost of installing drip or sprinkler irrigation.
• 45% for other farmers: the same systems, at the lower rate.
• Up to five hectares: assistance is available for up to five hectares per beneficiary.
• State top-ups: some states provide additional incentives or top-up subsidy to encourage micro irrigation, so your state’s total may be higher than the central rate.
• Water saving: the whole point of the scheme — efficient water use at the farm level.

Check whether the percentage in your state applies to the scheme’s approved unit cost or to your actual bill, because the two can differ. Your state’s agriculture or horticulture department can tell you which applies.

Eligibility

Who Can Apply?

• Farmers who want to install drip or sprinkler irrigation, subject to your state’s conditions
• Small and marginal farmers get the higher 55% rate — a small and marginal farmer family is one that owns cultivable land of up to 2 hectares as per land records; see our guide to schemes for small and marginal farmers

Things To Keep In Mind

• The scheme is implemented state by state, so eligibility details, approved vendors and the application process differ across states.
• Check your state’s current guidelines before you buy a system, because subsidy generally applies only to systems installed through the scheme’s process.

Documents Required

These are typically required, but your state’s department will confirm the exact list:

• Aadhaar and a bank account in your name (subsidy is paid through Direct Benefit Transfer in most schemes)
• Land record showing your landholding — see our documents checklist
• Details of the area and crop where the system will be installed

How to Apply

1. Contact your district agriculture or horticulture office, or open your state agriculture department’s portal, and ask about the micro irrigation subsidy for the current year. Our state-wise guide lists official portals.
2. Check whether applications are open and which systems and suppliers are approved in your state.
3. Register and apply as your state requires, with your documents.
4. Install the system through the scheme’s process and get it verified, so the subsidy can be paid.
5. For general questions, call the Kisan Call Centre on 1800-180-1551.

Application Mode

Through state governments — online portals or district offices, depending on your state.

Important Dates

There is no single national date. State windows, budgets and targets vary each year, so check your state department for when applications are open.

Official Source

• PMKSY (including Per Drop More Crop): pmksy.gov.in
• Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: agriwelfare.gov.in
• Kisan Call Centre (toll-free): 1800-180-1551

Important Notes

• JanAvsara is not a government website and does not take applications or collect money or documents.
• Do not buy or install a system first and hope to claim the subsidy later. Subsidy usually depends on following your state’s process, so get approval first.
• Beware of dealers who promise a fixed subsidy or ask for an “application fee”. Confirm the current rate with your state department.
• This is not the same as PM-KUSUM. Per Drop More Crop subsidises drip and sprinklers; PM-KUSUM subsidises solar pumps.
• Rates and rules can change; confirm on the official source before you act.

Related Schemes

• PM-KUSUM — solar pump subsidy
• Best Government Schemes for Farmers
• Schemes for Small and Marginal Farmers
• State-Wise Farmer Schemes — find your state’s portal
• Farmer Schemes — browse all farmer-related articles on JanAvsara

FAQs

How much subsidy do I get on drip and sprinkler irrigation?

Under the Per Drop More Crop component of PMKSY, 55% of the unit cost for small and marginal farmers and 45% for other farmers, for up to five hectares per beneficiary. Some states add their own top-up.

Who counts as a small and marginal farmer for this scheme?

A family that owns cultivable land of up to 2 hectares as per land records, which is the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare’s definition.

How do I apply for the micro irrigation subsidy?

Through your state government’s agriculture or horticulture department, following your state’s process. It is implemented state by state, so the steps and portals differ.

Is Per Drop More Crop the same as PM-KUSUM?

No. Per Drop More Crop subsidises drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, while PM-KUSUM subsidises solar-powered pumps and solar plants.

Who pays for the subsidy?

The cost is shared between the Central and State Governments in the ratio 60:40, or 90:10 for the North-Eastern and Himalayan states.

What is the Micro Irrigation Fund?

A ₹5,000 crore fund created with NABARD in 2018-19 to help states raise resources for expanding micro irrigation coverage.