Source: News on Air
Context:
The Union Agriculture Ministry has introduced greater flexibility under the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme to promote micro-level water storage and conservation. The move aims to empower states and Union Territories (UTs) to design localised water management projects that enhance irrigation efficiency and ensure sustainable water availability.
About the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) Scheme
Part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – launched in 2015 to achieve “Har Khet Ko Pani” (Water for Every Field) and improve water-use efficiency in agriculture.
- Nodal Ministry:
- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
- Primary Objective:
- To promote micro-irrigation technologies (drip and sprinkler systems) and efficient on-farm water management practices to achieve “more crop per drop.”
Revised Guidelines:
- The “other interventions” section of PDMC has been expanded to include micro-level water management activities, such as:
- Diggi (small reservoir) construction
- Water harvesting systems
- States and UTs can now plan projects based on local needs—for both individual farmers and community-level systems.
- Increased Funding Flexibility:
- Earlier, funding for such activities was capped at 20% of total allocation for each state/UT.
- For Northeastern and Himalayan states, as well as UTs of J&K and Ladakh, the cap was 40%.
- Now, states/UTs can exceed these limits depending on their regional water requirements.
- Objective:
- Promote micro-irrigation and water-use efficiency.
- Support localized, sustainable water storage to strengthen irrigation reliability.
- Enhance farm productivity and income by optimizing water resources.
About the Scheme:
- Launched: 2015
- Part of: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
- Focus: “More Crop Per Drop” – promoting efficient irrigation technologies such as drip and sprinkler systems.
