Over 115 lakh hectares brought under Per Drop More Crop micro-irrigation scheme till July this year

The Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme, launched in January 2016 as a core component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), represents a paradigm shift in India's approach to agricultural water management. As of July 2024, the scheme has successfully brought over 115 lakh hectares under micro-irrigation — primarily drip and sprinkler systems — marking a significant milestone in the government's vision of 'Har Khet Ko Pani' (Water to Every Field). This achievement is not merely a statistical figure; it reflects a deep structural transformation in how India addresses the twin challenges of water scarcity and agricultural productivity. Historically, Indian agriculture has been heavily dependent on monsoon rains and flood irrigation, leading to massive water wastage — estimated at 60-70% in conventional methods. With agriculture consuming over 85% of the country's freshwater resources, the need for efficiency became urgent. The PDMC scheme was born out of this necessity, aligning with the National Water Mission under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), and drawing constitutional backing from Article 48 (organization of agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines) and Article 21 (right to life, interpreted to include access to water and food security). The scheme is implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, with funding shared between Centre and States in a 60:40 ratio (90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan states). Key stakeholders include small and marginal farmers (who constitute 86% of landholdings), state agriculture departments, financial institutions providing subsidies and credit, and technology providers of drip/sprinkler systems. The scheme offers financial assistance of up to 55% for small/marginal farmers and 45% for others, making modern irrigation accessible. Its integration with PMKSY's other components — Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Watershed Development, and Har Khet Ko Pani — ensures a holistic water-to-field approach. Economically, micro-irrigation boosts crop yields by 20-50% while reducing water use by 30-60%, fertilizer consumption by 20-30%, and energy use for pumping. This directly enhances farm incomes — a critical step toward the goal of doubling farmers' income. Socially, it empowers women farmers by reducing labor in water-intensive tasks and supports crop diversification into high-value horticulture. Politically, it strengthens cooperative federalism through state-level implementation flexibility. Looking ahead, the scheme must address challenges like maintenance of systems, access to credit for tenant farmers, and integration with digital agriculture (e.g., soil moisture sensors, IoT-based irrigation). Future success depends on convergence with schemes like PM-KUSUM (solar pumps), Digital Agriculture Mission, and the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture. As climate change intensifies water stress, PDMC will remain central to India's food and water security strategy, making it a cornerstone of sustainable rural development and a frequent focus in competitive examinations.