New Delhi: More than 115 lakh hectares of farmland had been brought under micro-irrigation through the Per Drop More Crop scheme by July 2026, marking a major expansion of drip and sprinkler systems intended to improve water efficiency.
The centrally sponsored programme supports farmers in installing micro-irrigation equipment that delivers water closer to crops with lower conveyance and evaporation losses. The approach is particularly important because agriculture accounts for more than 80 per cent of India’s available water use, while only about half of the net sown area has irrigation facilities.
Financial assistance is available for installations covering up to five hectares per beneficiary. Small and marginal farmers receive assistance equal to 55 per cent of the approved cost, while other farmers receive 45 per cent. States may provide additional support from their own budgets.
Central assistance of ₹8,123.24 crore was released for the programme over the last three years. Farmers can become eligible for support on the same land again after seven years, allowing ageing systems to be replaced within the scheme’s rules.
Per Drop More Crop is implemented through direct benefit transfer and digital processes intended to improve transparency and access. The effectiveness of this arrangement depends on timely beneficiary verification, accurate land records, approved equipment standards and prompt release of assistance.
Drip irrigation delivers measured quantities of water near plant roots, while sprinkler systems distribute water through controlled spray. The choice of system depends on the crop, soil, terrain, water source and farm layout. Proper design and maintenance are essential because blocked lines, unsuitable pressure or poor installation can reduce the expected benefits.
The initiative began in January 2006 as a centrally sponsored micro-irrigation scheme and became the National Mission on Micro Irrigation in 2010-11. It was later included under the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture and, from 2015-16 to 2021-22, operated as a component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.
Since 2022-23, the scheme has been implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. That umbrella programme was restructured in October 2024 to combine components relating to micro-irrigation, mechanisation, soil health, crop diversification and agricultural innovation.
For 2025-26, ₹8,957.72 crore was released or sanctioned under PM-RKVY, including ₹3,226.36 crore for Per Drop More Crop. The structure allows states to reallocate funds among components according to local agricultural priorities.
Micro-irrigation can reduce water consumption, improve the consistency of application and support fertigation, where nutrients are supplied through irrigation lines. Outcomes vary across crops and regions, and benefits depend on reliable water sources, farmer training and access to repair services.
The coverage milestone is significant, but total hectares alone do not establish whether every system remains functional. Long-term monitoring should examine equipment use, water saved, crop productivity, farmer income and the availability of after-sales support.
As climate variability increases pressure on groundwater and surface irrigation, efficient farm-level delivery will remain central to water security. The next phase will require expansion in water-stressed districts while ensuring that installed systems continue to operate effectively beyond the initial subsidy period.
