Borewell Subsidy Scheme 2025 – Full Details, Eligibility, and How to Apply Online
Access to irrigation is one of the major challenges faced by small and marginal farmers in India. To improve agricultural productivity and ensure water availability throughout the year, both the Central and State Governments are offering borewell drilling subsidies and financial assistance to farmers. These schemes aim to reduce the cost burden of installing borewells, pumps, and other irrigation systems on agricultural land.
This article provides a complete guide to the Borewell Subsidy Scheme 2025, covering its objectives, eligibility criteria, required documents, benefits, and state-wise official application links.
What Is the Borewell Subsidy Scheme?
The Borewell Subsidy Scheme is a government initiative designed to help farmers, particularly those from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and small/marginal farming communities, to install borewells at a subsidized cost. Under this program, the government covers a significant portion of the cost involved in drilling and installing borewells for irrigation purposes.
The subsidy percentage varies depending on the state and farmer category, generally ranging between 50% and 80% of the total cost. Some states even offer complete financial assistance for eligible SC/ST farmers.
Key Objectives of the Scheme
- Ensure water availability for irrigation throughout the year.
- Support small and marginal farmers by reducing borewell installation costs.
- Promote sustainable agriculture in water-scarce and drought-prone regions.
- Increase agricultural productivity through proper irrigation infrastructure.
- Encourage water conservation and efficient use of groundwater resources.
Major Benefits of the Borewell Subsidy Scheme
- Subsidy up to 80% on borewell drilling costs.
- Free borewell facility for SC/ST farmers in some states.
- Financial aid for pump sets and electrification.
- Technical support from government-approved agencies.
- Priority assistance for dryland and drought-prone areas.
- Improved crop yield through assured irrigation.
- Employment generation in rural areas due to enhanced agricultural activity.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Borewell Subsidy Scheme 2025, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Must be an Indian farmer holding valid agricultural land documents.
- The land should be suitable for borewell installation as per government inspection.
- Applicant should belong to small or marginal farmer category (landholding less than 2 hectares).
- Priority is given to SC/ST and women farmers.
- The applicant must not have received borewell subsidy earlier for the same land.
- The land should not fall under restricted or groundwater-depleted areas (as per Central Ground Water Authority).
Required Documents
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before applying:
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card
- Land ownership documents (RTC, Pahani, etc.)
- Recent Passport Size Photograph
- Bank Passbook Copy
- Caste Certificate (for SC/ST applicants)
- Farmer ID or Registration Certificate
- Land Survey Report (showing suitability for borewell)
- Self-declaration form
Step-by-Step Application Process
The process to apply for the Borewell Subsidy Scheme differs slightly from state to state, but the general steps are as follows:
- Visit the Official Agriculture Department Website of your respective state.
- Register as a Farmer using your Aadhaar number and mobile number.
- Login to the portal and navigate to the Borewell Subsidy or Irrigation Assistance section.
- Fill in the Application Form with accurate land, personal, and bank details.
- Upload all required documents in the specified format.
- Submit the application and note down the reference/application number.
- Inspection by officials will be conducted to verify the land suitability.
- Once approved, borewell drilling work will be carried out by authorized government contractors.
- The subsidy amount will be directly credited to the farmer’s bank account after verification.
Implementation Agencies
The Borewell Subsidy Scheme is implemented through multiple departments depending on the state:
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Horticulture
- Rural Development Department
- Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes Development Department
- NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development)
These departments coordinate to verify, approve, and disburse subsidies to eligible farmers.
Subsidy Percentage Overview (Approximate)
| Farmer Category | Subsidy (%) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| SC / ST Farmers | 75% to 100% | Full subsidy in some states |
| Small Farmers | 60% to 75% | Based on state budget |
| Marginal Farmers | 50% to 70% | Requires land ownership proof |
| General Category | 40% to 50% | Subject to availability of funds |
State-wise Borewell Subsidy Application Links
| State | Official Application Link |
|---|---|
| Karnataka | https://raitamitra.karnataka.gov.in |
| Andhra Pradesh | https://apagrisnet.gov.in |
| Telangana | https://agri.telangana.gov.in |
| Tamil Nadu | https://tngov.in |
| Maharashtra | https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in |
| Gujarat | https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in |
| Madhya Pradesh | https://mpkrishi.mp.gov.in |
| Odisha | https://odishaagrilabour.gov.in |
| Rajasthan | https://agriculture.rajasthan.gov.in |
| Uttar Pradesh | https://upagripardarshi.gov.in |
Scheme Funding & Support
Most borewell subsidy schemes are jointly funded by Central and State Governments under the following programs:
- PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana)
- Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
- NABARD’s Farm Sector Promotion Program
- SC/ST Development Corporation Subsidy Programs
These initiatives collectively aim to ensure “Har Khet Ko Pani” (Water for Every Farm).
Government Norms and Conditions
- Only one borewell per landholding is allowed under the scheme.
- Electric connection charges are sometimes covered separately under the energy department’s scheme.
- Farmers should not sell or transfer the borewell facility for at least five years.
- Water usage should be restricted to irrigation and livestock purposes only.
- Improper usage or false information may lead to cancellation and recovery of subsidy.
Impact on Rural Economy
The Borewell Subsidy Scheme has proven to be a lifeline for thousands of farmers across India. With increased access to water:
- Crop diversity has improved, allowing farmers to grow high-value crops like vegetables, fruits, and pulses.
- Dependence on monsoon rains has reduced.
- Farmer income levels have risen significantly due to multiple cropping seasons.
- Migration from rural to urban areas has decreased as agriculture becomes more sustainable.
How to Check Borewell Subsidy Status
- Visit your respective state agriculture portal.
- Go to the “Application Status” or “DBT Status Check” section.
- Enter your Application Number / Aadhaar Number.
- The portal will display your application progress, inspection details, and subsidy release status.
Common Reasons for Application Rejection
- Incomplete or incorrect document submission.
- Land located in groundwater-depleted areas.
- Duplicate applications for the same land.
- Ownership disputes.
- False information about land size or category.
Farmers are advised to ensure that all entries are accurate and verified by the local agriculture officer before submission.
Latest Updates (2025)
- The Government of Karnataka has announced a new borewell subsidy limit up to ₹1.25 lakh for small farmers under Krushi Bhagya Yojana.
- The Telangana Agriculture Department has integrated borewell assistance with Rythu Bandhu Scheme for easier benefit distribution.
- In Andhra Pradesh, NABARD has extended financial support for borewell electrification projects in drought-affected districts.
- Gujarat’s iKhedut portal has introduced real-time subsidy tracking for irrigation and borewell applications.
The Borewell Subsidy Scheme 2025 is a vital government initiative designed to empower India’s farmers by improving irrigation facilities and promoting sustainable agriculture. By applying for this subsidy, farmers can significantly reduce the financial burden of borewell installation and ensure year-round water availability for their crops.
Farmers are encouraged to visit their state’s official agriculture department portal and apply for the subsidy online. Proper documentation, timely application, and coordination with local authorities can help them successfully avail the benefits.