Centre Eases ‘Per Drop More Crop’ Rules, Gives States More Power to Design Water Projects

In a significant move to strengthen water management and boost farmers’ income, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has introduced enhanced provisions under the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme, granting states greater flexibility to design water conservation projects tailored to local needs.

Under the revised guidelines, States and Union Territories can now implement micro-level water storage initiatives, including diggi construction and rainwater harvesting systems, without rigid funding constraints. These projects can benefit both individual farmers and entire communities, ensuring a reliable water supply for modern micro-irrigation practices.

A key highlight of the revision is the increased financial flexibility. Earlier, states were allowed to allocate only up to 20% of their total funds for such water conservation activities, while northeastern and Himalayan states, along with Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, had a limit of 40%. The new framework removes these caps, enabling states to exceed previous limits based on ground realities and regional requirements.

This decentralized approach acknowledges India’s diverse water challenges and empowers state governments to make context-specific decisions. The Centre aims to promote efficient water use and accelerate the adoption of micro-irrigation systems by aligning policy with local priorities.

Officials believe this policy shift could be transformative for water-stressed regions. By improving water storage, distribution, and utilization, the initiative is expected to deliver dual benefits, conserving precious water resources and enhancing crop yields and farmer incomes across the country.