Chief Minister Sustainable Agriculture Irrigation Scheme

The Chief Minister Sustainable Agriculture Irrigation Scheme, also known as ‘Magel Tyala Shettale’, is a significant initiative launched by the Maharashtra State Government to support farmers in managing water scarcity. It was launched in 2022-23 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development & Fisheries Department. This scheme aims to promote sustainable irrigation through the construction of individual farm ponds. 

These ponds help farmers store rainwater, ensuring protective irrigation during dry spells and reducing crop losses caused by erratic rainfall. The scheme reflects the government’s commitment to increasing agricultural productivity and safeguarding farmers' livelihoods in a largely rainfed state like Maharashtra, where 82% of agricultural land depends on rainfall.

The Chief Minister Sustainable Agriculture Irrigation Scheme provides financial assistance to encourage the adoption of efficient irrigation systems. Here is a quick overview of the key details concerning this Maharashtra government initiative: 

The scheme offers several advantages designed to empower farmers and improve agricultural sustainability: 

• Financial Assistance for Farm Ponds

Farmers receive a subsidy ranging from ₹14,433 to ₹75,000 based on the size of their farm pond. This financial aid reduces the burden of constructing water storage facilities on their land.

• Enhances Water Security

The construction of farm ponds helps farmers capture and store rainwater. This can be used for irrigation during dry periods, reducing dependence on erratic rainfall. 

• Promotes Sustainable Farming

By encouraging water conservation, the scheme promotes eco-friendly farming and supports year-round cultivation.

• Reduces Crop Failure Risk

With consistent water access, farmers can better manage sowing and harvesting cycles. This lowers the risk of crop damage due to dry spells.

• Improves Livelihoods

With better irrigation facilities, farmers can increase agricultural productivity and income, contributing to improved living standards in rural areas.

• Easy Online Application

The entire application process is digital, conducted through the Maha-DBT portal, ensuring transparency and ease of access. 

• Transparent Subsidy Transfer

Subsidies are transferred directly to farmers’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via the PFMS system, eliminating delays and intermediaries. 

• Two Types of Farm Ponds Supported

The scheme supports construction of farm ponds with or without inlet and outlet, catering to different land and water flow conditions, thus offering flexibility to farmers.

To benefit from the Chief Minister Sustainable Agriculture Irrigation Scheme, farmers must meet the following conditions:

• Minimum Land Holding

Farmers should own at least 0.20 hectares of land in the Konkan region or 0.40 hectares in other parts of Maharashtra. This ensures that the scheme targets farmers with adequate land for pond construction. 

• Technical Suitability of Land

The land must be technically suitable for digging a farm pond. For ponds with inlet and outlet, natural runoff water should flow into the pond. For ponds without inlet and outlet, there must be a natural water source to fill the pond during the rainy season. 

• No Prior Subsidy for Similar Structures

Farmers who have already availed subsidies for farm ponds, community tanks, or other water conservation structures under any government scheme are not eligible to apply again. This avoids duplication of benefits. 

• Joint Land Holding Conditions

In cases of joint land ownership, a demarcation map must be available to confirm individual landholding size. Without this, the subsidy cannot be granted as the individual’s land area cannot be determined.

Farmers who have previously received subsidies for constructing farm ponds, community tanks, or bunding structures under any government scheme are excluded from this scheme. This restriction prevents multiple benefits for the same purpose and ensures equitable distribution of funds to new beneficiaries.

Applicants are required to submit essential documents for verification and approval. These include: 

• Aadhaar Card: To confirm identity and eligibility for DBT

• Residential Proof: Voter ID, Ration Card, or other valid documents confirming Maharashtra residency

• Proof of Land Ownership: 7/12 extract or land ownership certificate must be provided

• Additional Land Records: 8A extract to support ownership and land details

• Bank Account Details: Copy of the first page of bank passbook to verify account details

• Passport Size Photograph: Recent photo to be attached with the application form

Farmers can apply for the Chief Minister Sustainable Agriculture Irrigation Scheme (Individual Farm Pond) by following these steps: 

• Step 1: Register on Maha-DBT Portal

Visit the official Maha-DBT website and complete the farmer registration process.

• Step 2: Complete Aadhaar Authentication

Select the user type and authenticate the Aadhaar number for identity verification.

• Step 3: Fill Profile Details

Enter mobile number, address, and landholding information accurately.

• Step 4: Apply for the Scheme

Select the Chief Minister Sustainable Agriculture Irrigation Scheme from the list of schemes.

• Step 5: Choose Farm Pond Type and Size

Select the type of farm pond (with or without inlet/outlet) and the desired size based on land suitability.

• Step 6: Submit Application

Upload all required documents and submit the application online.

• Step 7: Track Application Status

After submission, you will usually receive an application ID. You can use this ID to track the status of your application through the portal.

• Step 8: Wait for Approval and Sanction

A department official might visit your farm for inspection. After verification, the department issues a pre-sanction letter to begin pond construction. 

It is advisable to start digging the farm pond only after receiving official approval. Upon completion, the farm pond is to be inspected by department authorities. After successful inspection, the subsidy amount will be credited directly to the farmer’s Aadhaar-linked bank account via PFMS.

The Chief Minister Sustainable Agriculture Irrigation Scheme, popularly known as Magel Tyala Shettale, is a vital step towards sustainable agriculture in Maharashtra. By providing financial assistance for constructing individual farm ponds, the scheme addresses the critical issue of water scarcity in rainfed areas. It empowers farmers with a reliable water source, reducing crop losses and improving agricultural productivity. 

The scheme’s online application process and direct subsidy transfer ensure transparency and ease of access. For Indian farmers, especially in Maharashtra, this initiative offers a practical solution to enhance irrigation, secure livelihoods, and promote sustainable farming practices in the face of changing climatic conditions.