The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has introduced a new set of flexibilities under the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme, empowering States and Union Territories (UTs) to take up micro-level water conservation projects. This initiative is part of the government’s continued focus on promoting efficient water use, sustainable agriculture, and enhanced farmer income under the broad vision of “Every Drop Counts.”
Focus on Micro-Level Water Conservation
Under the revised guidelines, States and UTs can now implement micro-level water storage and management projects as part of “Other Interventions” (OI) within the PDMC framework. These may include activities such as diggi construction, water harvesting structures, and community-level water storage systems. Such initiatives will ensure year-round water availability and help farmers adopt micro-irrigation techniques, reducing dependence on erratic rainfall and over-extraction of groundwater.
Greater Flexibility for States and UTs
Previously, the utilization of PDMC funds for OI activities was capped at 20% of the total allocation for each State/UT, and 40% for North Eastern States, Himalayan States, and the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Recognizing the diverse agro-climatic and hydrological conditions across regions, the government has now provided greater flexibility to States and UTs to exceed these limits as per local needs. This will enable the design and implementation of region-specific water conservation strategies without bureaucratic constraints.
Promoting Water-Use Efficiency and Productivity
The enhanced flexibility under PDMC is expected to boost micro-irrigation coverage, optimize the use of available water resources, and reduce wastage. By promoting precision irrigation and localized water storage, farmers can increase crop yield, diversify into high-value crops, and enhance their income sustainably. The scheme also complements other flagship programs such as Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and the National Water Mission, aligning with the broader vision of achieving “Har Khet Ko Pani” (water for every field).
Empowering Farmers and Building Resilience
The new PDMC flexibility underscores the government’s commitment to empowering States with decision-making autonomy and farmer-centric planning. By supporting community-based water management and technology-driven irrigation practices, the initiative aims to build resilience against climate variability, reduce water stress, and strengthen the foundation for sustainable agricultural growth.
In essence, the revised PDMC guidelines reaffirm the principle that “Every Drop Counts” — ensuring that water is not just conserved, but also efficiently utilized to secure the livelihoods of millions of Indian farmers.
