Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

Why in News?
Recently, World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought were celebrated across 813 project areas under WDC–PMKSY 2.0, highlighting nationwide efforts in sustainable watershed development.

• Aim – To enhance farm‑level water efficiency through micro‑irrigation (drip and sprinkler systems).
• Supported by micro‑storage, conservation, and management activities to supplement water sources and strengthen irrigation sustainability.
• Type – Centrally Sponsored Scheme (Cost is split between the Centre and states, Centre sponsors 100% of funding for Union Territories).
• Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, however it is an umbrella scheme involving other ministries. (Ministry of Jal Shakti and Ministry of Rural Development).
• Implementing Agency – State Agriculture Department.
• Launched in – July 2015.

Key Features

• Efficiency – Expand micro‑irrigation (drip/sprinkler) to save water and boost crop yield with optimal water usage.
• Coverage – Promote micro-irrigation technologies in water-intensive/consuming crops (sugarcane, banana, cotton) and extend to field crops and use them to promote fertigation.

Fertigation is the agricultural practice of injecting water-soluble fertilizers and nutrients directly into an irrigation system

• Water‑scarce Areas – Link tube-well / river-lift irrigation projects with micro irrigation technologies for the best use of energy both for lifting and pressurized irrigation
• Integration – Converge with schemes, solar energy, modern tech for their potential use.
• Protective irrigation – Harnessing rainwater at the micro level through Jal Sanchay and Jal Sinchan.

Jal Sanchay (Water Conservation) and Jal Sinchan (Irrigation) are two complementary pillars of water management in India.

4 components of PMKSY

• Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) – Speed up completion of delayed major/medium irrigation projects to expand irrigation potential.
• Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP) – Ensure assured irrigation by creating new sources, repairing/restoring water bodies, and groundwater development.
  • Command Area Development & Water Management (CADWM) – Improve command area development and water management.
  • Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI) – Promote surface minor irrigation.
  • Repair, Renovation and Restoration of water bodies (RRR) – Repair, renovate, and restore water bodies.
• Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) – Focus on micro‑irrigation (drip/sprinkler), micro‑storage, efficient conveyance, and precision irrigation for water use efficiency.
• Watershed Development – Promote sustainable water conservation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and soil conservation to boost productivity in rainfed areas.

Watershed Development Component (WDC)–PMKSY 2.0

• To promote soil and water conservation, restore degraded lands, and enhance the resilience of rainfed agriculture through sustainable watershed development interventions.

References

1. PIB | PMKSY
2. Myscheme | PMKSY