Optimizing Agricultural Water Governance: Assessing the Impact of Micro-Irrigation Expansion

As of July 2026, the 'Per Drop More Crop' (PDMC) scheme continues to serve as a cornerstone of India’s agricultural water management strategy. By facilitating the adoption of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, the initiative addresses the critical challenge of water scarcity in the agrarian sector. The program’s success, evidenced by the coverage of over 115 lakh hectares, underscores a strategic pivot from flood irrigation—which is often inefficient and leads to soil degradation—to precision-based water application. The efficacy of the PDMC scheme is bolstered by the integration of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanisms. By streamlining financial assistance directly to farmers, the government has reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensured that the capital-intensive nature of installing micro-irrigation infrastructure does not deter small and marginal landholders. This transition is vital for enhancing crop productivity, reducing input costs, and mitigating the long-term risks associated with groundwater depletion, particularly in water-stressed regions of the country.