The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) has its roots in earlier irrigation-focused initiatives. It began as the Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Micro Irrigation (CSS-MI) in 2006, which was later upgraded to the National Mission on Micro Irrigation (NMMI) in 2010. In 2014, this mission was brought under the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) as the On Farm Water Management (OFWM) component. Finally, in 2015, the micro-irrigation component of OFWM was subsumed into PMKSY to provide a comprehensive framework for water use efficiency and irrigation development.
Launched on 1st July 2015, PMKSY aims to achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level. Its motto, “Har Khet Ko Paani” and “Per Drop – More Crop”, encapsulates the mission to ensure that every farm has access to water and that water is used efficiently. The scheme focuses on creating assured and protective irrigation by harvesting rainwater at the micro level and promoting groundwater recharge. Micro irrigation, as an integral component of PMKSY, plays a crucial role in enhancing water use efficiency.
The primary objectives of PMKSY are to ensure access to irrigation for every farm, improve water use efficiency through micro-irrigation systems, enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability, reduce the use of fertilizers and labor costs, and improve soil health.
PMKSY comprises four main components: the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), which focuses on large projects; Har Khet Ko Paani (HKKP), which addresses minor and field-level irrigation; Per Drop More Crop (PDMC), which promotes micro irrigation; and Watershed Development, which facilitates rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
To further the goals of micro irrigation, the Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) was established in the Union Budget of 2017–18 with a corpus of ₹5000 crore managed by NABARD. This fund enables states to expand micro-irrigation coverage by providing concessional loans. States can use this fund for offering top-up subsidies, implementing innovative projects such as solar-linked irrigation and cluster-based community irrigation systems, and for improving irrigation efficiency in command areas.
MIF is disbursed by NABARD to state governments rather than individual farmers. The repayment period is seven years, including a two-year grace period. To make borrowing attractive, NABARD offers loans at an interest rate three percent lower than its market borrowing cost, with the Government of India providing interest subvention up to ₹150 crore annually. Projects must be approved by State Level Sanctioning Committees and the Steering Committee chaired by the CEO of the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA
An Advisory Committee chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare provides policy direction and monitors planning and coordination. A Steering Committee led by the CEO of NRAA examines state proposals, coordinates implementation, and ensures adherence to project timelines and budgets
Monitoring and Evaluation
PMKSY employs an integrated monitoring system that includes MIS, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), and geo-tagging through the Bhuvan portal. All progress is tracked and reported on the PMKSY Portal, ensuring transparency and accountability
Rationale and Coverage Targets
The Task Force on Micro Irrigation estimated a potential of 69.5 million hectares for micro irrigation in India, of which only 10 million hectares had been covered as of 2017–18. To accelerate progress, the scheme targets an additional 10 million hectares under micro irrigation by 2022, requiring coordinated efforts through PMKSY-PDMC and MIF.