Krishi Honda and Fish Farming Subsidies in India – 2025 Complete Guide for Farmers
Water is the lifeline of agriculture. For millions of farmers across India, access to a reliable water source decides whether they will have a good harvest or face crop loss. Rain-fed farming is risky because monsoons are unpredictable, and drought-like conditions are common in many regions. To solve this issue, the Government of India and state governments have introduced several subsidy schemes that help farmers dig borewells (Krishi Honda), install pump sets, and even take up alternative income sources like fish farming.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explain how to apply for Krishi Honda schemes, the eligibility criteria, the documents required, and step-by-step application process for borewell drilling and fish farming subsidies. This article also covers state-wise benefits, maintenance tips, and the latest 2025 updates so that every farmer can make use of these programs.
Importance of Krishi Honda (Agricultural Borewell)
Krishi Honda means a borewell or tube well dug specifically for agricultural purposes. Farmers depend on groundwater when rainfall fails. Borewells help irrigate crops, improve yield, and enable multi-cropping even in dry seasons. However, the cost of drilling a borewell, installing pump sets, and arranging electricity connection can be high. This is why government subsidy schemes play a key role.
Government Schemes for Borewell and Pump Set Subsidy
Across India, multiple schemes are implemented through the agriculture department, horticulture department, and rural development ministry. These schemes usually provide:
- Subsidy on borewell drilling charges – usually 50% to 75% depending on farmer category.
- Pump set subsidy – electric or solar pump sets at a discounted rate.
- Electrification assistance – connection for agricultural use.
- Water conservation subsidy – for drip irrigation or sprinkler systems along with borewell.
The main objective is to provide irrigation to small and marginal farmers, who own limited land and depend on monsoon.
Eligibility Criteria for Krishi Honda Scheme
Eligibility may vary slightly by state, but in general, the following farmers are eligible:
- Small and marginal farmers (owning up to 5 acres).
- SC/ST category farmers usually get higher subsidy (up to 90%).
- Women farmers are given priority under many schemes.
- Farmers with no existing borewell on the land.
- Land must be cultivable and have water table suitable for borewell.
Documents Required for Krishi Honda Application
Farmers must keep the following documents ready before applying:
- Aadhaar card
- RTC/Pahani (land ownership document)
- Land sketch or survey number
- Bank passbook copy
- Caste certificate (for SC/ST subsidy)
- Passport-size photograph
- Mobile number for OTP verification
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Krishi Honda
Farmers can apply either online or offline depending on the state government’s process.
1. Online Process
- Visit the state agriculture department portal or common service portal (for example, Seva Sindhu in Karnataka, TNeGA in Tamil Nadu, or Rythu Bharosa in Andhra Pradesh).
- Register with Aadhaar number and mobile number.
- Select the “Irrigation Borewell Subsidy” or “Krishi Honda” option.
- Fill in details like land survey number, crop type, and water requirement.
- Upload scanned copies of documents.
- Submit application and note the reference number.
- Department will verify land and water feasibility before approval.
2. Offline Process
- Visit your Taluk Agriculture Office or Zilla Panchayat Agriculture Section.
- Collect the Krishi Honda subsidy application form.
- Fill it manually and attach photocopies of documents.
- Submit to the officer in charge and get acknowledgement.
- A field officer will visit the land to check feasibility.
- If approved, you will get permission to drill borewell and subsidy amount will be released after work completion.
State-Wise Krishi Honda Borewell Subsidy (Approximate)
| State | Subsidy Percentage | Maximum Limit | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karnataka | 50–75% | ₹75,000 – ₹1,20,000 | Higher subsidy for SC/ST and women farmers |
| Telangana | 60–80% | ₹1,00,000 | Implemented under Mission Kakatiya & Agriculture Dept. |
| Andhra Pradesh | 60–80% | ₹1,00,000 | Priority to small and marginal farmers |
| Tamil Nadu | 50–70% | ₹90,000 | Subsidy linked with PMKSY irrigation scheme |
| Maharashtra | 50–75% | ₹80,000 | Additional support for drip irrigation installation |
| Madhya Pradesh | 60% | ₹1,00,000 | Application via MP Online Portal |
| Rajasthan | 50–70% | ₹70,000 | Priority to drought-prone areas |
Note: Amounts are indicative and may vary by district notification.
Fish Farming Subsidy Schemes in India
Fish farming is an excellent alternative source of income for farmers. The Department of Fisheries and National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) run several schemes to promote aquaculture.
Benefits include:
- Financial support for pond construction – usually 40–60% subsidy.
- Fingerlings (fish seed) subsidy – farmers can buy good quality seed at a discounted rate.
- Feed subsidy – up to 25% for first-year farmers.
- Training and technical assistance – provided by fisheries department free of cost.
Eligibility for Fish Farming Subsidy
- Farmers owning cultivable land suitable for pond construction.
- Individual entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and women groups are eligible.
- Must have a water source nearby or groundwater availability.
- Willingness to undergo training in fish culture techniques.
Documents Required for Fish Farming Subsidy
- Aadhaar card
- Land ownership proof or lease agreement (if land is leased)
- Bank account details
- Passport size photo
- Application form from fisheries department
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Fish Farming Subsidy
- Visit the Fisheries Department Office in your district.
- Collect and fill the subsidy application form for pond construction or fish seed purchase.
- Submit documents and get field inspection done by officer.
- After approval, pond construction can start.
- Subsidy will be credited to bank account after verification.
Fish Farming Subsidy Details (Indicative)
| Component | Subsidy for General Farmers | Subsidy for SC/ST/Women | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pond Construction | 40% (up to ₹2 lakh) | 60% (up to ₹3 lakh) | Based on pond size |
| Fish Seed/Fingerlings | 25% | 40% | Quality seed from govt hatcheries |
| Feed Subsidy (1st Year) | 20% | 30% | Encourages adoption of aquaculture |
| Aerator/Equipment | 40% | 60% | Improves oxygen level, enhances production |
Maintenance and Best Practices
- For Borewell: Always install a good quality casing pipe, avoid over-extraction, and use drip irrigation to save water.
- For Fish Pond: Maintain proper water depth, control weeds, and use scientifically recommended feed for better yield.
Latest 2025 Updates
- Many state governments have increased subsidy percentage for SC/ST farmers up to 90% in drought-prone districts.
- Solar pump set subsidy has been introduced under PM-KUSUM scheme, reducing electricity bills.
- Fish farmers are getting digitally monitored support, where pond health can be tracked using mobile apps provided by NFDB.
- Several states have launched single-window online portals for applying to multiple farmer welfare schemes in one place.
Here’s a simple table with official portals and schemes for Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh farmers to apply for Krishi.
Honda (farm ponds) and fish farming subsidies:
| State | Scheme Name | Application / Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Karnataka | Krishi Bhagya (Krishi Honda – farm pond subsidy) | raitamitra.karnataka.gov.in |
| Fisheries Subsidy (Fish Pond, Aerators, Fingerlings) | fisheries.karnataka.gov.in | |
| Telangana | Subsidy for Farm Ponds & Irrigation Works | tsobmms.cgg.gov.in |
| Fishery Schemes (Ponds, Seed Supply, Subsidy Nets) | fisheries.telangana.gov.in | |
| Andhra Pradesh | YSR Matsyakara Bharosa (Fishery subsidy, input assistance) | ap.gov.in – Fisheries Department |
| AP Micro Irrigation Project (Farm Ponds / Borewell) | apagrisnet.gov.in |
Krishi Honda scheme and fish farming subsidy programs are powerful tools for improving rural livelihoods. By using these schemes, farmers can secure irrigation, increase crop production, and earn additional income through aquaculture. The process is simple if you have the required documents and follow the step-by-step application procedure explained above.
Farmers should regularly check their state agriculture and fisheries department notifications for new subsidy announcements. By taking advantage of these opportunities, they can reduce financial burden, increase productivity, and contribute to India’s goal of doubling farmers’ income.