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APMIP Andhra Pradesh Micro-Irrigation Project Photo: Anil Sharma · Pexels License · source ↗

APMIP: Andhra Pradesh Micro-Irrigation Project

The Andhra Pradesh Micro-Irrigation Project (APMIP) is the state-implemented drip and sprinkler subsidy programme run by the Andhra Pradesh Horticulture Department. It was launched in 2003-04 by the undivided AP government — among the first state-level micro-irrigation programmes in India — and now operates within the central Per Drop More Crop framework of PMKSY.

Overview

APMIP subsidises the capital cost of installing drip and sprinkler systems on farmers' holdings. State officials describe the project's twin objectives as (a) extending the area under assured irrigation in chronic dry districts like Anantapur, YSR Kadapa, Chittoor and Kurnool, and (b) improving water-use efficiency in canal-command tracts of Krishna and Godavari deltas.

Eligibility

Open to all categories of farmers — small and marginal, women, SC/ST and general — owning cultivable land in Andhra Pradesh, subject to a per-family area ceiling (typically 5 ha drip, 5 ha sprinkler over the scheme life). Crops eligible include horticultural plantations (mango, citrus, banana, papaya, pomegranate), vegetables, mulberry, sugarcane, cotton and irrigated groundnut. A soil-moisture and water-source verification is required before sanction.

Benefit structure

The unit cost ceiling and subsidy share are aligned with the PMKSY-PDMC pattern:

  • Small and marginal farmers: 90% subsidy (60% centre + 30% state)
  • Other farmers: 80% subsidy (50% centre + 30% state)
  • SC/ST farmers in tribal sub-plan areas: up to 100% in some district circulars

The remaining beneficiary contribution can be financed through KCC or APMIP-tied bank loans. Unit costs are notified for drip (laterals, mainline, filtration, fertigation tank) and sprinkler (rain-gun and mini-sprinkler) per hectare and per crop spacing.

Implementation

APMIP works through empanelled drip companies — Jain Irrigation, Netafim, Premier, EPC, Finolex, Kothari, Rivulis etc. — registered with the Horticulture Department. The farmer applies online or through the local Horticulture Officer, selects a company, and the company executes the installation against the sanctioned area. Subsidy is released to the company on physical verification by the Mandal Horticulture Officer and Joint Director (Horticulture). Pre-installation and post-installation geo-tagged photographs are part of the audit trail.

How farmers register

Applications are filed through the AP Horticulture Department portal (horticulture.ap.gov.in) or at the District Horticulture Office. Required documents are landholding pattadar passbook, Aadhaar, bank passbook, water-source certificate (well or canal), and a quotation from an empanelled supplier. Sanction priority is given to first-time applicants in over-exploited groundwater mandals.

See also: PMKSY micro-irrigation subsidy, Drip irrigation, Drip fertigation, Jala Yagnam, Rythu Bandhu / Rythu Bharosa.

Sources

  1. APMIP. Andhra Pradesh Horticulture Department.
  2. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana - Per Drop More Crop. Ministry of Jal Shakti.
  3. Evaluation of Andhra Pradesh Micro Irrigation Project. NABARD.