The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has announced enhanced flexibility under the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme, aimed at promoting efficient water use and increasing farmer income. The revised guidelines allow States and Union Territories to undertake micro-level water storage and conservation projects under the scheme’s “Other Interventions” (OI) category.
With the new provisions, States and UTs can now plan and implement local water management activities such as the construction of diggis, water harvesting systems, and small reservoirs tailored to regional requirements. These systems can serve both individual farmers and communities, ensuring a sustainable supply of water for micro-irrigation and enhancing overall farm productivity.
Previously, funding for such activities was limited to 20% of the total allocation for each State/UT, and 40% for North Eastern, Himalayan States, and the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Under the revised guidelines, States and UTs can now exceed these limits based on specific local needs, giving them greater autonomy to address water scarcity effectively.
Officials noted that these measures are expected to encourage widespread adoption of micro-irrigation techniques, improve water-use efficiency, and help farmers increase crop yields and incomes. By enabling targeted water conservation projects, the initiative supports both sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient farming practices.
The updated PDMC scheme reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening water management in agriculture and ensuring that every drop of water contributes to higher productivity, better resource utilisation, and enhanced farmer welfare.
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