Uttar Pradesh Micro Irrigation Project (UPMIP): Revolutionizing Agriculture Through Efficient Water Use
The Uttar Pradesh Micro Irrigation Project (UPMIP) is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of Uttar Pradesh to modernize farming and ensure sustainable water management. Rooted in the national vision of “Per Drop More Crop” under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), UPMIP aims to transform agriculture by promoting advanced irrigation technologies such as drip and sprinkler systems.
What is UPMIP?
Launched on July 21, 2023 by Dinesh Pratap Singh, Minister of Horticulture, Agricultural Marketing, Agricultural Foreign Trade, and Agricultural Export, UPMIP is an IT-enabled platform designed to streamline the adoption of micro-irrigation. The dedicated portal www.upmip.in allows farmers to register, apply for subsidies, and track applications digitally, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency.
Unlike traditional flood irrigation, micro-irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone of crops in controlled amounts. This minimizes wastage, reduces soil erosion, and boosts crop productivity, making it particularly vital in a state like Uttar Pradesh where agriculture is the backbone of rural livelihoods.
Objectives of UPMIP
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Enhancing Water Use Efficiency – Conserving scarce water resources through precise irrigation.
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Boosting Crop Productivity – Delivering water and nutrients directly to plant roots for healthier yields.
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Supporting Small & Marginal Farmers – Providing subsidies of up to 90% on micro-irrigation systems.
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Promoting Sustainability – Preventing groundwater depletion and preserving soil health.
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Encouraging Crop Diversification – Helping farmers adopt high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables.
Key Features of UPMIP
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Dedicated Online Portal: Farmers can register, apply, and check subsidy status at www.upmip.in or www.uphorticulture.gov.in.
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Subsidy Support:
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Small & marginal farmers – up to 90% subsidy.
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Other farmers – up to 70% subsidy.
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Partnership with Manufacturers: 83 registered firms have been assigned to supply and install systems across different blocks.
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Aadhaar-Linked Transparency: Subsidies are directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts.
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Wide Crop Coverage: Suitable for horticultural crops like mango, guava, vegetables, and flowers, but not water-intensive crops like rice and jute.
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Supplier Guidelines: A detailed user manual ensures quality standards and smooth implementation.
Implementation and Outreach
The project is implemented by the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Uttar Pradesh, under the Per Drop More Crop component of PMKSY. Farmers can also seek help from district horticulture officers and deputy directors of horticulture for guidance.
By targeting regions facing water stress, irregular monsoons, and groundwater depletion, UPMIP directly addresses some of the most critical challenges in Uttar Pradesh’s agriculture sector.
Impact of UPMIP
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Water Conservation: Drip irrigation saves 50–70% water compared to traditional methods.
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Higher Yields & Income: Better irrigation improves crop quality and profitability. In Gujarat, drip irrigation increased profits by ₹1 lakh per hectare—similar results are expected in Uttar Pradesh.
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Economic Empowerment: Heavy subsidies make modern irrigation accessible to smallholders, allowing them to diversify into crops like dragon fruit, papaya, and mangoes.
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Environmental Benefits: Reduced fertilizer leaching and controlled water use prevent soil degradation and groundwater depletion.
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Boost to Exports: During the launch, a consignment of mangoes irrigated under UPMIP was exported to Dubai, showing its potential for enhancing agri-exports.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
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Awareness Gaps: Many farmers remain unaware of UPMIP’s benefits or face difficulty navigating the digital portal.
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Infrastructure & Maintenance: Timely supply and repair of systems are essential for sustained adoption.
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Power Supply Issues: Reliable electricity is vital for irrigation pumps; solar-powered systems could be a solution.
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Monitoring & Evaluation: Continuous oversight is needed to ensure quality installation and fair subsidy distribution.
Way Forward: The government should invest in training programs, awareness campaigns, local service centers, and renewable energy solutions to strengthen the scheme. Partnerships with agricultural universities can also boost farmer education.
The Uttar Pradesh Micro Irrigation Project (UPMIP) is a transformative step toward making agriculture more productive, sustainable, and farmer-friendly. By combining technology, generous subsidies, and a focus on resource efficiency, the project is empowering farmers to conserve water, increase incomes, and move toward modern agriculture.
With sustained awareness and robust implementation, UPMIP has the potential to make Uttar Pradesh a leader in sustainable farming and contribute significantly to India’s food and water security.
For farmers, the journey begins at www.upmip.in—a gateway to smarter irrigation and a more prosperous future.