The Department of Agriculture, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, is implementing schemes for the development of minor irrigation infrastructure across the islands under the Union Territory Plan, with the objective of improving water availability for agriculture and strengthening farm productivity.
The scheme targets individual farmers as well as cooperative farming societies and provides financial assistance through multiple modes, including loan-cum-subsidy, shramdan-cum-subsidy and cash-cum-subsidy. Under the loan-cum-subsidy component, beneficiaries can avail their contribution as a loan from nationalised banks, easing the financial burden involved in creating irrigation assets.
According to the Agriculture Department, backend assistance is being extended for several key irrigation-related components. These include excavation of ponds, construction of RCC ring wells, purchase of pumpsets and installation of micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler irrigation.
Under the pond excavation component, bonafide individual farmers with a minimum of 0.50 hectare of cultivable land, as well as cooperative farming societies, are eligible for financial assistance. The subsidy is fixed at 50 per cent of the estimated cost, subject to a maximum limit of ₹1.50 lakh per pond.
For construction of RCC ring wells, individual farmers, irrespective of landholding size, and cooperative farming societies can avail a subsidy amounting to 50 per cent of the estimated cost, capped at ₹1 lakh per well.
The scheme also covers the purchase of pumpsets ranging from 0.5 horsepower to 5.0 horsepower. Under this component, bonafide individual farmers and cooperative farming societies are eligible for a subsidy of 50 per cent of the purchase cost, limited to ₹10,000 per pumpset.
A major focus of the scheme is on promoting water-efficient irrigation practices. For installation of micro-irrigation systems, including drip and sprinkler systems, individual farmers with a minimum of 0.05 hectare of cultivable land and cooperative farming societies are eligible for assistance. The subsidy is fixed at 75 per cent of the system cost, including the pumpset, or ₹93,750 per hectare, whichever is less. In addition, the scheme provides 100 per cent transport subsidy for the system.
To avail the benefits under the scheme, applicants are required to submit a set of prescribed documents. These include a duly filled application form, the latest land record obtained from a Common Service Centre or attested by a gazetted or revenue officer, a copy of the Aadhaar card, bank account details in the name of the farmer, and a no-objection certificate from co-tenants in case of joint property. Applicants must also ensure that their mobile number is linked with their bank account for direct benefit transfers.
Interested farmers have been advised to approach the Agriculture Sub-Depot or Zonal Office in their respective areas to obtain the application form. Completed applications, along with the required documents, must be submitted to the concerned Zonal Office for processing. Application forms are available at all Agricultural Sub-Depots and Zonal Agricultural Offices across the islands.
Officials said the scheme is aimed at enhancing irrigation coverage, reducing dependence on rainfall, and enabling farmers to adopt improved cultivation practices suited to the island ecosystem. For additional information, farmers may contact the Assistant Director (Soil), Zonal Officers or the Kisan Call Centre at 03192-243434 or 1800-345-1145.
