How to Apply (Farm Pond) Krishi Honda / Irrigation Subsidy schemes for Farmer 5

How to Apply Krishi Honda Subsidy for Farmers

Full Details for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala (2025 Guide)

Water management is the backbone of sustainable agriculture, especially in South India, where rainfall is often irregular and unpredictable. To help farmers conserve water and irrigate crops efficiently, state governments have introduced the Krishi Honda (Farm Pond) and Micro-Irrigation Subsidy Schemes.
These schemes encourage farmers to construct small farm ponds, dig borewells, install pump sets, and adopt modern irrigation technologies such as drip and sprinkler systems. The objective is to ensure water availability throughout the crop cycle and increase productivity in dry and semi-arid zones.

This guide explains how farmers in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala can apply for the Krishi Honda or farm pond subsidy, along with detailed information about eligibility, benefits, documents, and step-by-step application procedures.

 What Is a Krishi Honda?

A Krishi Honda is a water-harvesting pond constructed within farmland to collect rainwater. It stores surface runoff during monsoon months, which can later be used for irrigation during dry spells.
Typical structures include:

• Excavated ponds lined with polythene or geo-membrane sheets

• Small bunds or tanks connected to natural drainage channels

• Solar or electric pump sets for lifting water

• Optional micro-irrigation systems attached to the pond

Farm ponds reduce farmers’ dependence on groundwater and enable double cropping, making them one of the most practical water-management solutions.

 General Benefits of the Krishi Honda Subsidy

1. Water Security – Reliable water for crops even during dry seasons.

2. Yield Improvement – Better moisture control and irrigation efficiency.

3. Increased Income – Enables vegetable and high-value crop cultivation.

4. Livelihood Support – Provides water for livestock and fish culture.

5. Government Assistance – Up to 50–90 percent subsidy depending on state and category.

. Common Eligibility Criteria (All South Indian States)

• The applicant must be a resident farmer of the respective state.

• The farmer should own or lease agricultural land with clear records.

• Land should be in a rainfed or semi-arid area (priority zones).

• Only one subsidy per landholding is allowed for the same component.

• Preference is given to SC/ST, women, small, and marginal farmers.

• Applicant must have an active bank account linked with Aadhaar.

. Required Documents (for All States)

• Aadhaar card (identity proof)

• Land ownership certificate / RTC / Pahani / Patta

• Caste certificate (if applicable)

• Bank passbook or cancelled cheque

• Passport-size photographs

• Land sketch or survey number details

• Quotation / estimate for pond construction or lining material

• For irrigation components: pump-set quotation and dealer invoice

State-wise Application Details

Karnataka – Krishi Bhagya Scheme

The Krishi Bhagya Scheme was launched exclusively for dryland farmers in Karnataka. The scheme promotes Krishi Honda construction with plastic lining and supports solar pumps and micro-irrigation.

Main Components

• Farm pond (Krishi Honda) excavation and lining

• Solar pump set for water lifting

• Micro-irrigation (drip/sprinkler) connection

Subsidy Pattern

• SC/ST farmers: up to 90 percent subsidy

• Small/marginal farmers: 80 percent subsidy

• Other categories: 50 percent subsidy

• Maximum pond size: approximately 30 m × 30 m × 3 m

Application Process

1. Visit your nearest Raita Samparka Kendra or Taluk Agriculture Office.

2. Collect the Krishi Bhagya application form.

3. Fill in details of land, pond dimensions, and bank information.

4. Attach all required documents.

5. Submit to the Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) for inspection.

6. After field verification, work can begin with departmental approval.

7. Upon completion, upload photos and bills for subsidy release through DBT.

Important Notes

• The scheme operates under the Department of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka.

• Farmers can also club the pond with micro-irrigation under the PMKSY scheme for additional benefits.

Andhra Pradesh – YSR Jalakala & Micro-Irrigation Schemes

Andhra Pradesh encourages water conservation through YSR Jalakala, which provides free borewell drilling for eligible farmers, and through the Micro-Irrigation Subsidy Program under PMKSY.

Eligibility

• Small and marginal farmers with cultivable land.

• Priority to dryland and tribal areas.

• No previous subsidy for borewell or pond in the same field.

Benefits

• Free borewell drilling up to a fixed depth.

• Subsidy for pump sets and micro-irrigation installations.

• Technical assistance from the Department of Agriculture and APMIP (Andhra Pradesh Micro Irrigation Project).

Application Steps

1. Farmers register through the nearest RBK (Rythu Bharosa Kendra) or Mandal Agriculture Office.

2. Provide Aadhaar, land details, and caste certificate.

3. Site verification is conducted by departmental engineers.

4. Once approved, construction or drilling is arranged by the government.

5. For micro-irrigation, farmers pay their share and the subsidy is transferred after installation.

Telangana – Mission Kakatiya & Farm Pond Support

The Mission Kakatiya program rejuvenates tanks and promotes on-farm water storage through small ponds. Telangana also supports drip and sprinkler systems under PMKSY.

Objectives

• Restore traditional water bodies.

• Increase groundwater recharge.

• Encourage farm ponds in individual holdings.

Subsidy Details

• Farmers can receive financial aid for pond excavation, lining, or small lift irrigation structures.

• Drip/sprinkler systems receive 55–90 percent subsidy based on category.

Application Method

1. Contact the Agriculture Department Officer at your Mandal level.

2. Obtain and complete the Farm Pond Subsidy form.

3. Submit documents for verification.

4. Approved beneficiaries receive intimation and technical guidance.

5. Subsidy is disbursed after satisfactory inspection.

Additional Support
Farmers can combine pond construction with soil-moisture conservation and micro-irrigation to maximize benefits.

Tamil Nadu – State Irrigation Management Fund & TN IAMWARM Project

Tamil Nadu promotes water conservation and efficient irrigation through multiple projects, primarily the IAMWARM (Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation and Water Bodies Restoration and Management) Project.

Scheme Highlights

• Support for farm pond creation under the Water Conservation and Efficiency Program.

• Incentives for drip and sprinkler irrigation.

• Emphasis on modern water-saving technology.

Eligibility

• Registered farmer in Tamil Nadu.

• Cultivable land within notified project areas or drought-prone zones.

• Land records and bank details must be valid and up to date.

Application Process

1. Visit the Assistant Agricultural Engineer or Block Agriculture Office.

2. Fill in the farm pond subsidy form with land sketch and estimate.

3. Submit supporting documents and get site inspection approval.

4. Once completed, upload photos and receipts for payment processing.

Subsidy Pattern

• General category farmers: around 50 percent subsidy.

• SC/ST farmers: up to 90 percent subsidy.

• Maximum subsidy limit determined by the pond size and district norms.

Kerala – Farm Pond and Irrigation Subsidy under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

Kerala promotes sustainable farming and water management through RKVY and state-specific Haritha Kerala Mission initiatives.

Program Components

• Farm pond construction in highland and midland regions.

• Small check-dams, open wells, and irrigation channels.

• Integration with solar or electric pump sets.

Eligibility

• Farmers owning cultivable land suitable for pond construction.

• Preference for rainfed and smallholder farms.

• Active participation in Krishi Bhavans or Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).

Application Steps

1. Visit the nearest Krishi Bhavan in your Panchayat.

2. Collect and complete the farm pond subsidy form.

3. Attach copies of land records, Aadhaar, and bank details.

4. Submit to the Agricultural Officer for verification.

5. Technical team inspects the site and issues approval.

6. Work can begin after sanction, and subsidy is released through DBT after inspection.

Subsidy Rate

• Ranges from 50 to 80 percent depending on beneficiary category and project type.

. Common Steps to Apply for Krishi Honda Subsidy (Summary)

1. Identify the Scheme – Check which scheme applies in your state (Krishi Bhagya, YSR Jalakala, Mission Kakatiya, IAMWARM, or RKVY).

2. Visit the Local Agriculture Office – Go to the Taluk / Mandal / Block Agriculture Office or Krishi Bhavan.

3. Collect and Fill the Application Form – Enter accurate personal and land details.

4. Attach Required Documents – Aadhaar, land proof, bank details, caste certificate, estimate, and photo.

5. Field Verification – Department officers inspect your farm to confirm feasibility.

6. Approval and Construction – After approval, you can start pond excavation or irrigation setup.

7. Completion and Payment – Submit completion photos and bills; subsidy is transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer.

. Key Tips for Farmers

• Keep all land and bank records updated.

• Choose a pond site with natural runoff to ensure maximum rainwater collection.

• Use geo-membrane lining to prevent seepage and water loss.

• Integrate the pond with a solar pump or micro-irrigation system to improve efficiency.

• Coordinate with local agricultural officers for technical specifications and approved contractors.

• Apply early in the financial year since funds are limited.

. Expected Results and Impact

Farmers who build Krishi Hondas under these subsidy schemes report:

• Higher water availability and crop reliability.

• Doubling of cropping intensity (single to double crop).

• Reduction in irrigation costs by up to 30 percent.

• Better soil moisture conservation and reduced erosion.

• Enhanced resilience against drought conditions.

Government departments regularly evaluate these programs to ensure effective water conservation and rural livelihood improvement.

Here’s a clean and simple table showing South Indian states and their official apply links for Krishi Honda /  / Irrigation Subsidy schemes :

State	Apply Link
Karnataka	https://raitamitra.karnataka.gov.in
Andhra Pradesh	https://apagrisnet.gov.in
Telangana	https://horticulturedept.telangana.gov.in
Tamil Nadu	https://agritech.tnau.ac.in
Kerala	https://keralaagriculture.gov.in

The Krishi Honda Subsidy Program is one of the most farmer-friendly initiatives in South India. By constructing farm ponds and adopting efficient irrigation systems, farmers can secure their water needs, improve crop yields, and safeguard their income against climate uncertainty.

Every southern state—Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala—offers some form of financial support for pond construction and irrigation equipment. Farmers should visit their nearest agriculture office or contact field officers to begin the application process.

Proper planning, accurate documentation, and timely follow-up ensure successful approval and subsidy release. The initiative not only supports individual farmers but also contributes to long-term water sustainability and food security in South India.