Farmers to get up to 55% subsidy on drip irrigation in bihar, sprinkler systems also covered

Farmers in Bihar can now apply for financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (Micro Irrigation) 2026-27. The scheme aims to reduce irrigation costs and promote efficient use of water through modern irrigation systems.

Under the scheme, farmers can receive government assistance for installing drip irrigation, mini/micro sprinklers and portable sprinkler systems. The subsidy is linked to the prescribed indicative or unit cost of the respective system.

The major benefit is available to small and marginal farmers, who can receive a subsidy of up to 55% of the Indicative Cost for drip irrigation and portable sprinklers. For other farmers, the subsidy has been fixed at 45%.

How Much Land is Covered Under Drip Irrigation Subsidy?

Farmers can avail of the subsidy for drip irrigation on a minimum of 0.5 acre and a maximum of 12.5 acres of land.

For portable sprinkler systems, the eligible area has been fixed at 1 acre to 5 acres.

The subsidy according to the farmer category is as follows:

• Small and marginal farmers: 55% of the Indicative Cost

• Other farmers: 45% of the Indicative Cost

Assistance Also Available for Tubewells, Wells and Ponds:

The scheme is not limited to irrigation equipment. Private tubewells, wells and ponds have also been included under the other intervention component.

Farmers from all categories can receive 50% assistance of the unit cost under this component. However, to avail of this benefit, the farmer must also apply for drip irrigation under the scheme.

Land Documents Required for the Scheme:

• Farmers will have to submit documents related to their land while applying for the scheme. The applicant should have an updated LPC for the last two years, along with an online or offline receipt.
• A lease document of more than 7 years may also be accepted as per the prescribed rules. In such cases, documents related to affidavits of the land provider and land taker before a First-Class Magistrate on a ₹1,000 non-judicial stamp paper will be required.

Subsidy Will Be Given on a First-Come, First-Served Basis:

• The scheme follows a first-come, first-served approach for providing benefits. Therefore, farmers should complete the required documentation and other formalities carefully while submitting their applications.
• The farmer must also sign the Estimate and Design uploaded on the portal by the company.

Things to Check While Selecting Irrigation Equipment:

• Farmers should carefully select the available optional components while installing a drip or sprinkler system. These options include a hydrocyclone filter, fertilizer tank and winder machine.
• The selection of these components should be made according to the farmer's irrigation requirements and the proposed system.

Same Land Can Get the Benefit Again Only After 7 Years:

• If a farmer has already received benefits under the scheme for a particular plot of land, the same land will become eligible for the scheme again only after completion of 7 years.
• Therefore, farmers should check whether the concerned land parcel has previously received benefits under the scheme before submitting a new application.

Farmer's Share Must Be Deposited Within 30 Days:

• Once the application is approved, a work order will be issued. After receiving the work order, the farmer must deposit his farmer's share within 30 days through the online system.
• The amount has to be deposited through the Integrated Payment facility of the MIS Portal into the Bihar Horticulture Development Society, PMKSY Farmer Share account.
• If the farmer fails to deposit the required share within the stipulated period, the work order will be automatically cancelled.

Subsidy Will Be Released After Completion of the Work:

• The irrigation system must be installed according to the conditions mentioned in the work order. After completion of the work, the subsidy amount will be provided to the concerned agency or farmer through DBT In Cash/In Kind.
• This means farmers will have to follow the prescribed process from application and approval to equipment installation and release of the subsidy.

Scheme Focuses on Saving Water and Reducing Farming Costs:

• The main focus of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana is to improve the efficiency of water use in agriculture. The scheme aims to expand the area under micro irrigation and improve water-use efficiency, crop productivity and farmers' income.
• Farmers interested in adopting drip and sprinkler irrigation can apply for the subsidy according to their farmer category and the prescribed area limits. Before applying, they should ensure that all required land documents and other conditions are fulfilled.

FAQs:

1. How much drip irrigation subsidy is available in Bihar?
Small and marginal farmers can receive up to 55% of the prescribed Indicative Cost, while other farmers can receive 45% assistance.

2. What is the eligible land area for drip irrigation subsidy?
The eligible area for drip irrigation is a minimum of 0.5 acre and a maximum of 12.5 acres.

3. How much subsidy is available for portable sprinklers?
Small and marginal farmers can receive 55% assistance, while other farmers can receive 45% of the prescribed Indicative Cost.

4. Are tubewells, wells and ponds also covered under the scheme?
Yes. Farmers can receive 50% of the unit cost for eligible private tubewells, wells and ponds, subject to the scheme's conditions and the requirement to apply for drip irrigation.

5. Can the same land receive the subsidy again?
Yes, but the same land becomes eligible for the scheme again only after seven years from the previous benefit.