A new drip irrigation scheme launched in India aims to double farmers’ income by enhancing water efficiency and crop yields. Targeting small and marginal farmers, the initiative under PMKSY offers subsidies to adopt micro-irrigation, addressing water scarcity and boosting productivity. Success stories from Gujarat highlight significant profit increases, promoting sustainable agriculture.
Union Government Unveils Drip Irrigation Push to Boost Farmers’ Income
In a significant move to bolster agricultural productivity and sustainability, the Indian government has launched a new drip irrigation scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in 2025. Aimed at doubling farmers’ income, the initiative focuses on promoting micro-irrigation technologies like drip and sprinkler systems to optimize water use and enhance crop yields, particularly for small and marginal farmers.
The scheme, an extension of the Per Drop More Crop component of PMKSY, provides substantial subsidies—up to 55% from the central government and 45% from state governments—for installing drip irrigation systems. These subsidies alleviate the financial burden on farmers, enabling them to adopt advanced irrigation technologies. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the plant’s root zone through a network of pipes and emitters, reducing water wastage compared to traditional flood irrigation. This method is suitable for a wide range of crops, including orchard crops like mango, citrus, and grapes, as well as row crops such as sugarcane, cotton, and vegetables.
The government’s push aligns with the broader goal of addressing water scarcity in agriculture, a critical issue in India where over 50% of farmland depends on erratic monsoons. By promoting water-saving technologies, the scheme aims to improve soil moisture retention, reduce fertilizer use, and enhance crop quality. The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, which has been implementing micro-irrigation schemes since 2006, reports that drip irrigation can increase water use efficiency by up to 70%, leading to higher yields and profits.
Real-world examples underscore the scheme’s potential. In Jamnagar, Gujarat, a farmer who switched from groundnut and onion cultivation to dragon fruit using drip irrigation reported a yield of 21 tonnes from four bighas, earning significantly higher profits than the Rs. 65,000 previously made. Similarly, in Sayla, Gujarat, a farmer diversified into mango cultivation after adopting micro-irrigation, transforming his field into a model orchard. In areas with saline water, drip irrigation has enabled farmers to achieve up to Rs. 1 lakh more profit per hectare compared to flood irrigation.
The scheme also integrates with other agricultural initiatives, such as the convergence framework between the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment. This ensures targeted outreach to marginalized farmers, enhancing inclusivity. Additionally, the “Just-in-Time” fund release through the Reserve Bank of India’s e-kuber platform ensures efficient subsidy disbursal, streamlining access for farmers.
Netafim, a global leader in irrigation solutions, is supporting the initiative by assisting farmers in navigating subsidy applications and connecting with state authorities. The company’s efforts have already helped thousands of farmers access PMKSY benefits, particularly in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, where micro-irrigation adoption is gaining momentum.
The scheme’s launch comes at a critical time as India seeks to meet its ambitious goal of doubling farmers’ income. By addressing water scarcity, promoting crop diversification, and reducing input costs, the drip irrigation initiative is poised to transform Indian agriculture, making it more resilient and profitable.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from government sources, including the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and PMKSY guidelines, as well as reports from agricultural organizations like Netafim. Data and farmer testimonials are drawn from recent case studies in Gujarat. Always verify subsidy details with state agricultural departments.