By V Ritheka SreeCoimbatore: Coimbatore district agriculture joint director M Tamilselvi has appealed to adi dravida farmers to make use of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) micro-irrigation scheme for 2026-27, pointing out that the category recorded poor participation last year.A target has been fixed to implement micro-irrigation facilities in 1,000 hectares in the district. Of this, 850 hectares have been allocated for general category farmers and 150 hectares for adi dravida farmers.Under the scheme, small and marginal farmers are eligible for 100% subsidy, while other farmers can avail 75% subsidy for installing micro-irrigation systems.Tamilselvi highlighted the importance of drip irrigation, stating that it helps in supplying water and liquid fertilisers directly to the root zone of crops in a controlled and efficient manner. This method improves plant growth and enhances productivity.According to her, micro-irrigation systems help in efficient fertiliser usage, reduce weed growth, minimise pest and fungal attacks, increase crop yield and lower cultivation costs.The joint director appealed to farmers who had availed benefits under the scheme seven years ago to apply again. She advised farmers to approach block-level agriculture department offices to learn more about the scheme and apply for the installation of drip irrigation facilities in their fields.She said a financial target of Rs 12.48 crore was fixed under the scheme this year and that more than 500 farmers were expected to benefit from it. However, while the target for the general category was achieved last year, participation by adi dravida farmers remained low, she added.
