Water-Smart Farming with Per Drop More Crop

The Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme, currently implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY), promotes micro-irrigation technologies such as drip and sprinkler systems to enhance water use efficiency and agricultural productivity. As of July 2026, the scheme has brought over 115 lakh hectares under micro-irrigation. It provides financial assistance of up to five hectares per beneficiary, with small and marginal farmers receiving 55% assistance and other farmers receiving 45%. Recent guidelines provide states and UTs with increased flexibility to undertake water storage and conservation activities under the 'Other Interventions' component without previous funding caps. Independent studies, including evaluations by NITI Aayog and IIMA, report significant improvements in crop yields, water savings, and farmers' incomes.