The AP Micro Irrigation Project is the Andhra Pradesh programme that helps farmers put drip and sprinkler systems on their fields. Water is the scarcest input in much of the state, and micro-irrigation uses it far better than flood irrigation — less water, better yields, and lower costs. This guide explains the AP Micro Irrigation Project: what it covers, how drip and sprinkler support works, and how to apply.
AP Micro Irrigation Project at a Glance
| Point | What to know |
|---|---|
| What it is | State programme for drip and sprinkler irrigation support |
| Works with | Horticulture Department and Rythu Seva Kendram (RSK) |
| Covers | Drip systems, sprinkler systems, and related equipment |
| Subsidy share | Varies by category, district allocation and central share |
| Apply at | Your RSK, with land records and a supplier quotation |
AP Micro Irrigation Project: What It Is
The AP Micro Irrigation Project is the state’s programme for bringing micro-irrigation — drip and sprinkler systems — to farmers’ fields. It works through the Horticulture Department, with applications taken at the village Rythu Seva Kendram (RSK). The idea is simple: Andhra Pradesh has limited water, and flood irrigation wastes much of it. Drip and sprinkler systems deliver water where the plant needs it, so the same water irrigates more land and produces a better crop.
The project supports the cost of the system. The farmer applies, the application is approved against the district’s allocation, and the subsidy is released — usually after the installation is inspected. The subsidy share is not a single fixed percentage: it varies by the farmer’s category, the district’s allocation and the central share for the scheme. Any figure quoted by an agent or a social-media post should be checked against the current announcement at the RSK or the Horticulture Department.
Drip Irrigation: How It Works and Who It Suits
Drip irrigation delivers water drop by drop, through pipes and emitters, directly to the root zone of each plant. Almost no water is lost to evaporation or runoff, and the plant gets a steady supply. Drip suits row crops and horticulture — vegetables, fruits, flowers, and crops planted in lines, where each plant can have its own emitter. It also suits farmers with limited water, because it stretches a small supply over more land.
A drip system has a filter, a main line, sub-mains and laterals with emitters, and sometimes a fertigation unit that adds fertiliser to the water. The system is designed for the field: the spacing of the emitters, the pipe sizes and the pump are matched to the crop and the water source. The supplier’s design is part of the quotation, and the department inspects the installation before the subsidy is released. Our guide to Farm Subsidies in AP explains the wider subsidy picture, and the AP Agriculture Department portal is the official source for department schemes.
Sprinkler Irrigation: How It Works and Who It Suits
Sprinkler irrigation sprays water over the crop through nozzles, like rain. It suits closely spaced crops — millets, pulses, oilseeds and fodder — where a drip system would need too many emitters. It also suits undulating land, where flood irrigation is difficult, and it needs less water than flooding because the application is controlled.
A sprinkler system has a pump, main and lateral pipes, and sprinkler heads that can be moved or fixed. The farmer should ask the supplier and the RSK which system suits the crop and the field: drip for row crops and horticulture, sprinkler for closely spaced field crops. Choosing the wrong system wastes the subsidy and the water. Our guide to the Rythu Seva Kendram (RSK) explains the village farmer centre that helps with the choice, and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare publishes national scheme details.
Support Available Under the Project
The AP Micro Irrigation Project supports the cost of the drip or sprinkler system, including the pipes, emitters or sprinklers, filters and fittings. The subsidy is paid against the cost shown in the quotation from an approved supplier, and the farmer pays the rest. As with all farm subsidies, the share varies by category and by the district’s allocation for the year — small and marginal farmers are usually given a higher share, but the exact figure must be checked at the RSK for the current season.
Some farmers also need a pump or a water source to make the system work. The project generally covers the irrigation system itself; a new borewell or pump is a separate matter, and the farmer should ask at the RSK what is covered and what is not. Our guides to Annadata Sukhibhava 2026-27 and PM Kisan Scheme 2026 explain the income support a farmer can claim alongside this subsidy.
How to Apply
Applying for the AP Micro Irrigation Project starts at the RSK. Go with your Aadhaar card, pattadar passbook or land records, and bank passbook. Tell the VAA which system you want — drip or sprinkler — and for which survey numbers. The VAA will give the application form and the list of documents, and will tell you which suppliers are approved in your area.
Get a quotation from an approved supplier, showing the design and the cost for your field, and submit the application with the quotation and the documents. Keep the acknowledgement. The application is approved against the district’s allocation, so applying early in the season matters — the allocation is limited, and a late application may have to wait for the next round. For land record questions, see our guide to MeeBhoomi AP land records.
Installation and Inspection
After approval, the supplier installs the system, and the department inspects it before the subsidy is released. The inspection checks that the system matches the application: the right pipes, the right emitters or sprinklers, the right area, and a working system. A system that does not match the application can delay or lose the subsidy, so the farmer should be present at the installation and at the inspection.
After installation, the farmer should learn to run and maintain the system: cleaning the filter, checking the emitters, and repairing leaks. A drip system that is not maintained clogs and stops working, and the investment is wasted. Ask the supplier for a demonstration and a maintenance guide, and ask the VAA for advice if the system has problems. If a promised subsidy does not arrive, raise it through the RSK or the grievance route — our guide on raising a grievance on the NBM portal explains how, and the AP government portal lists the services available at Sachivalayams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AP Micro Irrigation Project?
It is Andhra Pradesh’s programme for drip and sprinkler irrigation support, run through the Horticulture Department with applications at the Rythu Seva Kendram.
Which is better, drip or sprinkler?
Drip suits row crops and horticulture, where each plant can have an emitter. Sprinkler suits closely spaced field crops like millets and pulses. Ask the RSK and the supplier which suits your crop and field.
What is the subsidy for the AP Micro Irrigation Project?
There is no single fixed percentage. The share varies by the farmer’s category, the district’s allocation and the central share, so check the current figure at your RSK.
How do I apply for the AP Micro Irrigation Project?
Apply at your RSK with Aadhaar, land records and bank passbook, and a quotation from an approved supplier. Keep the acknowledgement and apply early in the season.
Is the system inspected before the subsidy is paid?
Yes. The department inspects the installation to check that it matches the application, and the subsidy is released after the inspection.
The AP Micro Irrigation Project can turn a water-scarce field into a productive one — but only if the farmer chooses the right system, applies early, and maintains it after installation. Go to the RSK, check the current subsidy share, and do not pay any agent for a free application.
Last updated: November 2026