Water-Smart Farming Enhances Crop Yield

Exam-Focused Notes on Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) Scheme

Overview

• Scheme Name: Per Drop More Crop (PDMC).
• Objective: Improve water use efficiency and agricultural productivity through drip and sprinkler irrigation.
• Target Area: Coverage of over 11.5 million hectares by July 2026, which is approximately 8.11% of India's net sown area.

Constitutional and Policy Framework

• Implementation: Under the Prime Minister’s National Agricultural Development Scheme (PM-RKVY) initiated in 2007-08, revised in October 2024 to promote sustainable agriculture.
• Support Structure: Governed by a tri-level institutional framework involving National Management Council (NMC), State Level Approval Committee (SLAC), and District Level Implementation Committee (DLIC).

Financial Aspects

• Funding: Central government has allocated ₹8,123.24 crores over the past three years; 2025-26 allocation is ₹8,957.72 crores including ₹3,226.36 crores specifically for PDMC.
• Subsidy Structure: Financial assistance of 55% for small and marginal farmers and 45% for other farmers, with a maximum coverage of five hectares.

Economic Impact and Data

• Beneficiaries: Approximately 12.30 lakh farmers, with about 20% being women.
• Yield Improvement: Farmers have reported yield increases from 90 to 105 quintals per acre, and a reduction in farming costs from ₹30 lakh to ₹2.4 lakh.
• Efficiency Gains: Studies indicate water savings of 20%-48%, energy savings of 10%-17%, and labor cost reductions of 30%-40%.

Technological Focus

• Irrigation Types:
  • Drip Irrigation: Delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
    • Types include:
      • On-line Drip: Suitable for unevenly spaced crops.
      • In-line Drip: Provides uniform watering.
  • Sprinkler Irrigation: Simulates rainfall; suitable for high-density crops.
    • Variants include portable, micro, mini, semi-permanent, and large-scale systems.

Environmental Considerations

• Water Resource Management: Over 80% of available water resources are used for agricultural irrigation. PDMC aims to enhance water efficiency amidst declining groundwater levels.
• Sustainable Practices: Encourages the integration of drip systems with solar-powered irrigation and water conservation practices.

Government Initiatives

• Additional Provisions: States are allowed to initiate local water storage and conservation activities with removed funding limits for projects related to water conservation.
• Support for New Technologies: The scheme promotes innovative irrigation techniques and scientific advancements in agriculture.

Impact Assessments

• Independent Studies: Evaluations by NITI Aayog and IIM Ahmedabad confirm improvements in water efficiency, crop productivity, and farmer income, aligning with national priorities.
• Job Creation: The scheme has also contributed to direct and indirect employment opportunities in the agricultural sector.

Future Directions

• Strategic Focus: PDMC aims to enhance climate resilience, improve productivity, and develop value chains in agriculture, with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices.

Conclusion

The PDMC scheme represents a critical effort by the Indian government to transform agricultural practices through modern irrigation techniques, enhancing both productivity and sustainability in the face of growing water scarcity.