Subsidy schemes for irrigation: PMKSY

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) stands as a beacon of hope and progress in India’s agricultural landscape. Launched with the aim of fostering comprehensive development in the agriculture sector, PMKSY encompasses various components that address key challenges faced by farmers. In this detailed blog post, we will delve into the nuances of PMKSY, exploring its objectives, key components, impact on farmers, and the broader implications for India’s agricultural growth. PMKSY sets forth ambitious objectives aimed at revolutionising agriculture in India. The primary goals include enhancing irrigation efficiency, promoting water conservation, ensuring soil health, and boosting agricultural marketing. By addressing these crucial aspects, the government envisions a more sustainable and prosperous future for farmers.

PMKSY Benefits

One of the pivotal components of PMKSY is the focus on irrigation infrastructure. The scheme aims to increase the coverage of irrigated areas, thereby reducing dependency on rain-fed agriculture. Investments in modernising existing irrigation systems and promoting water-use efficiency are key facets of this component.

Enhanced Irrigation Infrastructure

• Focus on Source Creation: PMKSY addresses the issue of water scarcity by promoting the creation of new water sources through minor irrigation projects (surface and groundwater). This includes activities like building canals, check dams, and renovating traditional water bodies.
• Improved Distribution Systems: The scheme also emphasizes strengthening existing irrigation infrastructure by repairing and refurbishing canals, distributaries, and water channels. This ensures efficient water delivery to farms, minimizing wastage.
• Micro Irrigation Support: PMKSY promotes the adoption of micro-irrigation technologies like drip and sprinkler systems. These techniques deliver water directly to the root zone of plants, minimizing evaporation and maximizing water use efficiency.

Financial Assistance for Farmers

• Subsidies for Infrastructure: Micro-irrigation technologies, such as drip and sprinkler systems, are a cornerstone of PMKSY’s approach. These water-saving systems deliver water directly to the plant’s root zone, minimizing evaporation and maximizing efficiency. To encourage widespread adoption, PMKSY offers subsidies to farmers for installing these micro-irrigation systems. The exact subsidy amount varies depending on the state, category of farmer (small, marginal, etc.), and type of system installed.
• Loan Facilities: PMKSY recognizes that some irrigation improvements might require larger investments. The scheme facilitates access to loans for farmers for undertaking these projects. These loans can be used for Building wells or borewells. This allows for on-farm water management and access to groundwater sources. Also for Upgrading existing irrigation infrastructure. This could involve repairs or improvements to canals, distributaries, or water channels on the farm.

Overall Benefits for the Agricultural Sector

• Increased Crop Yields: By ensuring reliable water availability and efficient irrigation practices. PMKSY helps farmers achieve better crop yields, leading to higher income.
• Improved Water Management: The focus on micro-irrigation and efficient water distribution systems encourages sustainable water use practices, ensuring water conservation for future generations.
• Reduced Production Costs: Improved irrigation infrastructure and water management techniques can help farmers save water, leading to lower irrigation costs.
• Income Generation: Increased crop yields and improved water management ultimately translate to higher incomes for farmers, contributing to rural development.
• Climate Resilience: By promoting water-efficient irrigation practices, PMKSY helps farmers adapt to changing weather patterns and become more resilient to droughts.

PMKSY is part of a broader initiative by the government to bring about holistic development in the agricultural sector. Complementary policies and programs, such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), work in tandem to create a comprehensive framework for agricultural growth and resilience.

Irrigation options available to farmers under PMKSY

1. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP):

• Launched in 1996 by the Ministry of Water Resources, AIBP focuses on the speedy completion of large and medium-sized irrigation projects throughout the country.
• This component prioritizes drought-prone and tribal areas, ensuring these regions receive the crucial infrastructure for improved irrigation.

2. Har Khet Ko Pani (Water for Every Field)

• Initially a separate initiative, Har Khet Ko Pani became a core component of PMKSY in 2015.
• True to its name, this component aims to provide irrigation access to all farms and cultivable land in India, reflecting the overarching goal of PMKSY.

3. More Crop Per Drop: Micro Irrigation

• Recognizing the importance of water conservation, this component promotes efficient irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler systems.
• Launched in 2010, it encourages farmers to adopt sustainable water usage practices.

4. More Crop Per Drop: Other Interventions

• This component goes beyond just micro-irrigation technologies. It encompasses various strategies and techniques for optimal water management and distribution among farmers.
• Financial assistance is provided to states and regions to implement these interventions and promote advancements in water conservation practices.

5. Watershed Development

• Initially managed by the Department of Land Resources, this program became part of PMKSY in 2015.
• Launched in 1994, it focuses on improving drought-prone areas by identifying weaknesses and developing solutions.
• The program involves well-designed interventions within watersheds, leading to significant improvements in water management.

6. Convergence with MGNREGA

• The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) plays a role in PMKSY implementation.
• MGNREGA resources are also allocated for irrigation projects, supporting the goals of PMKSY and its benefits for farmers.

Eligibility criteria

Additional Criteria

• State eligibility: The state in which the land is located must have prepared District Irrigation Plans (DIP) and State Irrigation Plan (SIP), and the expenditure in water resource development for the agriculture sector in the current year must not be less than the baseline expenditure.
• Water charges: States that levy charges on water and electricity for irrigation purposes are given additional weightage.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Vikas Yojana stands as a pivotal instrument in reshaping India’s agricultural landscape. By addressing critical aspects of irrigation, water conservation, soil health, and agricultural marketing, the scheme paves the way for sustainable growth and prosperity for farmers. As we navigate the complexities of agricultural development, PMKSY remains a beacon of hope, guiding the nation towards a future where agriculture is not just a livelihood but a thriving and resilient sector.