Government Subsidy for Sprinkler and Drip Irrigation Systems 2025: Complete Guide for Farmers – Documents, Eligibility, How to Apply ? 08
Water scarcity during summer is one of the major challenges faced by farmers across India. To support farmers and ensure water-efficient agricultural practices, the Agriculture Department has launched a special subsidy program to provide sprinkler and drip irrigation systems at a low cost. Under this scheme, drip pipes, sprinklers, micro-irrigation kits, and related accessories are offered at subsidized rates to eligible farmers.
This initiative promotes sustainable farming, improves water-use efficiency, and maximizes crop yield even in drought-like conditions. Farmers need to apply through their nearest Agriculture Department office or Raitha Samparka Kendra (Farmer Contact Centre) to avail the benefits.
This article provides a complete guide including:
- What is the sprinkler and drip irrigation subsidy scheme?
- Who is eligible?
- Benefits of the scheme
- Required documents
- Step-by-step application process (online and offline)
- Government notification and policy details
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Sprinkler and Drip Irrigation Subsidy Scheme?
The Government of India, under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – Per Drop More Crop and Agriculture Mechanization Program, offers subsidies to farmers to install drip irrigation and sprinkler systems at reduced costs.
The scheme is implemented at the state level by Agriculture Departments and Horticulture Departments. Each state may provide additional subsidies over the central scheme based on specific regional policies.
Objectives of the Scheme
- Promote micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler
- Reduce water wastage
- Enable farmers to maintain crops during high-temperature months
- Increase crop productivity and quality
- Support small and marginal farmers
- Reduce dependency on rainfall and groundwater
Major Benefits of the Scheme
- Subsidy up to 50–70% on sprinkler and drip irrigation equipment
- Lower water consumption by 30–40%
- Improves crop yield by 20–25%
- Reduced electricity and labour cost
- Better moisture preservation
- Fewer weeds and lower use of fertilizers
- Suitable for all crops, especially vegetables, fruits, sugarcane, and horticulture
- Benefit available to small, marginal, and large farmers
Eligible Irrigation Equipment Under This Scheme
| Irrigation System | Components Included |
|---|---|
| Sprinkler Irrigation | Sprinkler sets, lateral pipes, nozzle, stand, couplers |
| Drip Irrigation | Drip pipe, water tank connection, flow regulator |
| Micro Irrigation | Foggers, micro-sprinklers, drip line systems |
| Hybrid Systems | Drip + sprinkler combination setups |
Subsidy Percentage (Approximate)
| Farmer Type | Subsidy Percentage |
|---|---|
| Small & Marginal Farmers | 60–70% |
| Other Category Farmers | 40–50% |
| SC / ST Farmers | Additional benefits depending on state policies |
| Women Farmers | Priority approval and additional subsidy support |
(Exact subsidy varies by state. Farmers must check latest notification at local agriculture office.)
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the sprinkler or drip irrigation subsidy scheme, farmers must meet the following criteria:
- Must be an Indian citizen and practicing farmer
- Should possess cultivable agricultural land
- Land record must be in farmer’s name or joint ownership
- Annual family income preferably less than ₹2 lakh (varies state-wise)
- No prior subsidy received for sprinkler/drip irrigation in the last 5 years
- Only one system per family under subsidy scheme
- Priority given to small, marginal, SC/ST, and woman farmers
Required Documents to Apply
Farmers need to submit the following documents while applying:
- Aadhar Card (Identity Proof)
- Land Ownership Certificate / RTC / Pahani / Record of Rights
- Bank Passbook / Account Details
- Recent Passport Size Photo
- Income Certificate (if required)
- Caste Certificate for SC/ST/OBC applicants
- Mobile Number registered with Aadhar
- Crop details and estimated project report (if asked)
- Self-declaration form (if applicable)
- Water Source Proof (Borewell/Pipeline/Canal/Bund)
Optional documents:
- GPS location of land (if applying online)
- NOC if land is leased (depends on region)
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide
Offline Application Method
- Visit your nearest Agriculture Department Office or Raitha Samparka Kendra (RSK).
- Collect the subsidy application form for Sprinkler/Drip Irrigation Scheme.
- Fill in required details including land information, crop type, and irrigation requirement.
- Attach all necessary documents and submit to the concerned officer.
- An agriculture assistant will visit the farm for verification.
- Upon approval, subsidy order will be issued.
- Farmer can purchase equipment from an empanelled vendor.
Online Application Process
Most states allow farmers to apply through their Agriculture Department portal or PMKSY website. The general steps are:
- Visit https://pmksy.gov.in or respective state agriculture portal.
- Click Farmer Registration / Apply for Micro-Irrigation Subsidy.
- Complete Aadhar e-KYC verification.
- Login using received credentials.
- Upload required documents.
- Select equipment type (Sprinkler/Drip) and enter land details.
- Submit application and note down registration number.
- Track status online.
Important: Some states only allow offline application. Farmers should confirm at the local agriculture office.
Cost Structure and Subsidy Illustration
| Equipment Type | Approx Cost (Per Acre) | Farmer Contribution | Subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinkler System | ₹50,000 | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 | ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 |
| Drip Irrigation | ₹40,000 | ₹12,000 – ₹20,000 | ₹20,000 – ₹28,000 |
| Micro Sprinkler | ₹35,000 | ₹10,000 – ₹18,000 | ₹17,000 – ₹25,000 |
Government Notification Details
The sprinkler irrigation subsidy is implemented under:
- PMKSY – Per Drop More Crop (Micro Irrigation Scheme)
- Agriculture Mechanization & Technology Program
- State Level Agriculture Department Subsidy Scheme
Notifications are issued by:
- State Agriculture Department
- District Agriculture Office
- Department of Horticulture
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer Welfare
Farmers must visit the local office or state portal to access the latest official notification.
Who Can Benefit The Most?
✔ Farmers with limited water resources
✔ Those planting high-value crops like vegetables, fruits, flowers
✔ Farmers in drought-affected regions
✔ Women and small-scale farmers
✔ Areas with inconsistent rain patterns
✔ Farmers practicing organic or precision agriculture
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the maximum subsidy farmers can get?
Up to 70% subsidy for small and marginal farmers. Other category farmers may receive 40–50%.
2. Can farmers receive subsidy for more than one tractor or irrigation system?
Only one subsidy per family under the scheme.
3. Is Aadhaar mandatory for application?
Yes, e-KYC verification is compulsory.
4. Can tenant farmers apply?
Only if they provide NOC from landowner and supporting documents (varies by state).
5. How long does it take for subsidy approval?
Usually 15–45 days depending on document verification and field inspection.
6. Is the subsidy given before or after purchase?
In most cases, approval is given first through release order, and subsidy is processed post-installation and verification.
https://pmksy.gov.in Click Hear toDownload PDF
The government’s subsidy scheme for sprinkler and drip irrigation systems is a powerful step toward sustainable agriculture and water resource management. By installing micro-irrigation systems with financial support from the Agriculture Department, farmers can significantly reduce input costs, improve crop productivity, and maintain farming operations even during peak summer months.
Every eligible farmer should take advantage of this scheme by applying through the nearest Agriculture Department office or Raitha Samparka Kendra, or using the online registration system, wherever available. Ensuring proper documentation and timely submission will help farmers receive quick approval and subsidy benefits.
This scheme serves as an ideal solution for farmers looking to modernize agriculture, save water, and increase profits. Early application is advised as subsidy funds are limited and allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis.