Assistance for Installation of Sprinkler / Drip Micro Irrigation Systems is a subsidy scheme of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Union Territory of Puducherry, which continues to support farmers in 2026-27. Under this scheme, small, marginal, SC/ST and women farmers can get 90% of the total installation cost, while big farmers and institutions can get 70%, subject to a maximum of ₹ 25,000 per hectare.
This scheme covers many types of farmers and institutions, including marginal farmers, small farmers, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe farmers, women farmers, big farmers and agricultural institutions. By cutting the money burden of drip and sprinkler installation, it helps save water and improve crop output with modern irrigation technology.
Applications are invited through advertisements in leading local Tamil dailies in Puducherry and Karaikal and through All India Radio. The application form can be collected from the nearest Uzhavar Udhaviyagam or downloaded from the departmental website.
Assistance for Installation of Sprinkler or Drip Micro Irrigation Systems
The department's scheme list for 2026-27 still carries this micro irrigation subsidy under the Farm Mechanization and Micro Irrigation section with the same pattern of assistance. Rates and conditions can be revised by the government from time to time, so it is best to confirm the latest position with the State Ground Water Unit, Thattanchavady before applying.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Assistance for Installation of Sprinkler / Drip Micro Irrigation Systems |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | Puducherry |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Sub Category | Land and water resources, Agricultural Inputs, Mechanization |
| Benefit Type | Cash Subsidy |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Main Department | Agriculture Department, Puducherry |
Benefits
This scheme gives direct financial support for installing micro irrigation systems. The subsidy share depends on the category of the applicant and is capped at ₹ 25,000 per hectare.
| Beneficiary Type | Subsidy Percentage | Max Limit per Hectare |
|---|---|---|
| Marginal, Small, SC/ST and Women Farmers | 90% of total cost | ₹ 25,000 |
| Big Farmers and Institutions | 70% of total cost | ₹ 25,000 |
Important Note: If the installation is completed with the farmer's own funds, the subsidy is paid into the farmer's bank account through the electronic clearing system after verification. If the work is done through an authorized manufacturer or dealer, the subsidy goes to that manufacturer or dealer after the farmer gives a satisfactory completion letter.
Eligibility
Farmers and institutions in Puducherry need to meet certain conditions to get this subsidy:
- Applicants should belong to one of these groups: Marginal Farmer, Small Farmer, SC/ST Farmer, Women Farmer, Big Farmer or an Agricultural Institution.
- Applicants should own cultivable agricultural land in the Union Territory of Puducherry.
- Applicants should have an owned or leased tubewell with an adequate water pumping system.
- Farmers who have already received the maximum subsidy for a sprinkler system within the last 10 years, or a drip system within the last 8 years, are generally not eligible. Those who got only partial assistance earlier can still get the remaining balance.
- Farmers who used a sprinkler system earlier can still apply for a drip system, and the other way around, if they agree to grow intercrops for three years.
Application Process
Applications are accepted both offline and online. The offline route is the main method used by the department, while the e-District portal provides an online option.
Offline Application
STEP 1 - Get the prescribed application form from the nearest Uzhavar Udhaviyagam or from the Office of the Hydrogeologist-II, State Ground Water Unit and Soil Conservation, Thattanchavady for the Puducherry region, or from the Office of the Additional Director of Agriculture for the Karaikal region. The form can also be downloaded from the official schemes page of the Agriculture Department.
STEP 2 - Fill in the form and attach all required documents, including the Revenue Certificate, Field Measurement Book sketch, electricity policy card, bank passbook pages and Caste Certificate for SC/ST farmers.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application at the same office. A seniority number and an official acknowledgement are given for future reference.
Online Application
STEP 1 - Open the Official e-District Portal of Puducherry and register a new account with personal details.
STEP 2 - Log in to the dashboard and choose the irrigation scheme from the department-wise list.
STEP 3 - Upload the mandatory documents, submit the final declaration and save the application ID for tracking your application status.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while applying:
- A valid Revenue Certificate issued by an authority not below the rank of Deputy Tahsildar.
- A copy of the Field Measurement Book (FMB) sketch of the land where the system will be installed.
- A copy of the electricity policy card of the tubewell used for irrigation.
- The first page of the bank passbook showing name, account number and address, along with the latest transaction page.
- A Caste Certificate from a Deputy Tahsildar for SC/ST farmers claiming priority.
References
These official resources give more details about the scheme:
- Standard Operating Procedure
- User Manual for Online Application
- Citizen's Charter
- Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare schemes page
FAQ's
What is the maximum subsidy amount provided per hectare?
The maximum subsidy is ₹ 25,000 per hectare. Small, marginal, SC/ST and women farmers get up to 90% of the total cost, while big farmers and institutions get up to 70%, whichever is lower.
How do I know if I am eligible if I have received subsidies in the past?
Farmers who have already used part of their subsidy entitlement within the last 10 years for sprinklers or 8 years for drip systems can receive the remaining balance amount for new installations.
Can I apply for a drip irrigation system if I already have a sprinkler system?
Yes. Farmers who installed one type of micro irrigation system earlier can apply for the other type, provided they agree to grow intercrops for at least three years.
How does the payment process work?
Payments are made electronically. If the farmer funds the installation himself or herself, the subsidy goes to the farmer's bank account. If a dealer installs the system, the subsidy goes to the dealer after the farmer signs a satisfactory completion letter.
What if my land ownership has changed?
The 10-year and 8-year waiting periods are attached to the land itself, so a change in ownership does not reset the time limit for claiming these subsidies.