Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana Enhancing Water Use in Agriculture 2024

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is a government-led initiative aimed at enhancing water efficiency and expanding irrigation coverage across India. Launched in 2015, PMKSY focuses on sustainable water resource management to ensure every farm receives water and promotes “more crop per drop” through efficient irrigation practices.

This article covers PMKSY’s objectives, features, advantages and disadvantages, eligibility criteria, and a step-by-step application process, along with links to other essential government schemes.

Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

PMKSY was developed to address India’s agricultural water needs and improve water accessibility. The key objectives include:

• Expanding Irrigation Coverage: Increase the area under irrigation across India, especially in arid regions.
• Promoting Water Conservation: Reduce water wastage through efficient irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems.
• Improving Water-Use Efficiency: Adopt the “per drop more crop” approach to optimize water usage and improve crop yield.
• Integrating Water Resources: Coordinate efforts across various departments to ensure sustainable water resource management.

Key Features of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

PMKSY operates through four major components, each addressing different aspects of water and irrigation management:

1. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP): Aims to expedite the completion of major and medium irrigation projects.
2. Har Khet Ko Pani: Ensures water reaches every farm, particularly in regions lacking adequate irrigation.
3. Per Drop More Crop: Encourages efficient water use through micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation.
4. Watershed Development: Focuses on water conservation and soil moisture management in rainfed and semi-arid areas.

Benefits of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

PMKSY offers several advantages that empower farmers and enhance agricultural productivity:

• Enhanced Crop Production: Efficient irrigation promotes healthier crop growth, resulting in higher yields.
• Reduced Water Wastage: Micro-irrigation techniques optimize water use, reducing wastage.
• Drought Resilience: PMKSY improves water availability, helping farmers withstand droughts.
• Increased Farmer Income: Reliable irrigation supports consistent yields, improving financial stability for farmers.
• Improved Soil Health: Micro-irrigation minimizes soil erosion and salinization, promoting long-term agricultural health.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

Advantages:

• Broad Coverage: PMKSY targets multiple aspects of water management, from irrigation to conservation.
• Subsidized Support: Farmers receive substantial subsidies on irrigation equipment.
• Focus on Sustainability: Encourages sustainable agricultural practices that conserve water and protect soil.
• Enhanced Rural Employment: Water management and infrastructure projects create jobs in rural areas.

Disadvantages:

• Administrative Delays: Approval processes for large projects can be slow, impacting timely implementation.
• Resource Constraints: Limited budget allocations can delay project completion and subsidy distribution.
• Awareness Gaps: Lack of awareness about PMKSY benefits, particularly in remote areas, hinders full participation.
• Geographical Limitations: Areas with extreme water scarcity or unsuitable soil conditions require extra intervention.

Eligibility Criteria for Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

PMKSY is designed to be inclusive, benefiting farmers and agricultural organizations across India:

• Individual Farmers: Small and marginal farmers are eligible for subsidies, particularly for micro-irrigation.
• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Eligible for project funding under PMKSY for irrigation and watershed development.
• State Governments: Collaborate with PMKSY for implementing and managing large-scale water resource projects.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Work with local authorities to promote soil and water conservation practices.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

Farmers can follow these steps to apply for PMKSY benefits:

1. Visit the PMKSY Website: Go to the official PMKSY website for comprehensive information on eligibility and subsidies.
2. Register at the Local Agriculture Office: Farmers need to visit their nearest agriculture or block development office to register.
3. Document Submission: Provide necessary documents such as proof of land ownership, Aadhaar card, and bank details.
4. Apply for Micro-Irrigation Subsidies: Apply under the ‘Per Drop More Crop’ component for micro-irrigation subsidies on drip or sprinkler systems.
5. Receive Approval and Subsidy: Approved applicants receive financial assistance or subsidies to install irrigation equipment.
6. Implementation: Upon approval, the required irrigation systems are set up by professionals to ensure proper installation and usage.

PMKSY Scheme Components and Funding Details

1. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP): This component is targeted at expediting pending irrigation projects across the country.
2. Har Khet Ko Pani (Water to Every Field): Focuses on extending irrigation facilities to all agricultural lands, particularly in water-scarce areas.
3. Per Drop More Crop: This component promotes micro-irrigation practices, offering subsidies to farmers for installing drip and sprinkler systems.
4. Watershed Development: Focuses on conserving water and recharging groundwater levels in arid and semi-arid regions.

The central and state governments fund PMKSY jointly, with funds distributed according to the project’s scope and regional needs. Detailed budget breakdowns and funding allocations are available on the PMKSY official website.

Technology Integration in Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

PMKSY leverages modern technology to improve water resource management:

• GIS Mapping: Used to identify potential irrigation expansion areas and monitor water resources.
• Mobile Applications: Mobile applications allow farmers to track their applications, access information, and learn about water-efficient practices.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Advanced sensors and data analytics help monitor soil moisture levels and optimize water use.
• Automated Irrigation Systems: Smart irrigation solutions regulate water flow based on crop and soil requirements, reducing wastage.

Challenges Faced by Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

PMKSY has transformed India’s irrigation landscape, but challenges remain:

• Complex Administrative Processes: Approval and funding disbursement delays can hinder implementation.
• Insufficient Awareness: Many farmers are unaware of PMKSY benefits, especially those in remote regions.
• Funding Constraints: Limited financial resources can slow down the completion of large-scale irrigation projects.
• Geographical Limitations: Extreme water scarcity and soil conditions in some regions necessitate more focused interventions.

Impact of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) on Farmers

The scheme has made a significant impact on India’s agriculture sector:

• Increased Crop Yield: Improved irrigation facilities enable farmers to achieve higher yields.
• Financial Stability: By ensuring consistent crop production, PMKSY helps stabilize farmers’ incomes.
• Knowledge and Resource Accessibility: PMKSY provides farmers with access to water conservation and irrigation techniques.
• Resilience Against Climate Change: PMKSY enhances farmers’ ability to handle drought and unpredictable rainfall patterns.

Future Prospects and Developments in Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

PMKSY’s future developments include:

• Technological Advancements: Integrating AI and machine learning for real-time water usage tracking.
• Strengthening Infrastructure: Investing in new irrigation infrastructure to expand water resource coverage.
• Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness to improve enrollment and increase participation among farmers.
• Eco-Friendly Irrigation Solutions: Emphasis on sustainable, environment-friendly irrigation techniques.

Related Articles

For a broader understanding of government schemes aimed at supporting farmers, consider exploring the following articles:

• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
  An in-depth guide on PMFBY’s crop insurance benefits, eligibility, and application process.

• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan)
  Learn how PM-Kisan offers financial stability to small and marginal farmers.

• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) – Financial Assistance for Farmers
  Discover the KCC scheme’s eligibility criteria, benefits, and application steps.

These articles provide valuable insights into other critical government initiatives designed to enhance India’s agricultural sector, supporting farmers with resources and knowledge to improve productivity and sustainability.