The Government of Uttar Pradesh has continued the implementation of the Nishulk Boring Yojana (Free Boring Scheme) to provide free borewell drilling facilities to eligible farmers, aiming to improve irrigation coverage and enhance agricultural productivity.
The scheme primarily benefits small and marginal farmers by reducing the cost of installing private tube wells and ensuring access to reliable irrigation facilities. It is implemented through the Minor Irrigation Department of Uttar Pradesh and supports the state's efforts to improve water availability for agriculture.
Benefits:
Provides free boring (drilling) for private tube wells to eligible farmers.
Financial assistance is also available for pump sets and HDPE pipes under prescribed norms.
Improves irrigation facilities in rain-fed and water-scarce areas.
Reduces dependence on monsoon rainfall.
Enhances crop productivity and farmers' income.
Objectives:
Expand irrigation coverage for small and marginal farmers.
Promote sustainable agricultural production.
Reduce irrigation costs for farmers.
Strengthen groundwater-based irrigation where feasible.
Support rural livelihoods and agricultural development.
Eligibility:
Applicant must be a permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh.
Should be a small or marginal farmer with agricultural land.
The applicant should not already have adequate irrigation facilities on the concerned land.
Preference is given to economically weaker farmers and eligible Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries under the scheme guidelines.
Required Documents:
Aadhaar Card.
Land ownership documents (Khatauni/Khasra).
Passport-size photograph.
Caste certificate (where applicable).
Bank account details.
Mobile number.
Farmer registration details under the relevant state portal/PM-KISAN, wherever applicable.
About Nishulk Boring Yojana:
State: Uttar Pradesh.
Implementing Department: Minor Irrigation Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
Provides free boring for installation of private tube wells for eligible farmers.
Supports the development of assured irrigation facilities for agriculture.
Applications can be submitted through the Minor Irrigation Department and its online portal.
About the Minor Irrigation Department, Uttar Pradesh:
Established to promote irrigation through private tube wells, borewells, ponds, and other minor irrigation projects.
Plays a key role in groundwater-based irrigation development.
Contributes to increasing agricultural productivity and drought resilience in the state.
Additional Key Facts:
Minor Irrigation: Refers to irrigation projects with a Culturable Command Area (CCA) up to 2,000 hectares.
Major Irrigation: CCA exceeding 10,000 hectares.
Medium Irrigation: CCA between 2,000 and 10,000 hectares.
Groundwater irrigation in India is mainly carried out through tube wells, dug wells, and borewells.
Uttar Pradesh has one of the largest irrigated agricultural areas in India, with irrigation supported by canals, tube wells, and groundwater resources.
Exam Focus Points:
Scheme: Nishulk Boring Yojana.
State: Uttar Pradesh.
Implementing Department: Minor Irrigation Department.
Beneficiaries: Small and marginal farmers.
Major Benefit: Free boring for private tube wells and assistance for irrigation equipment as per scheme norms.
Objective: Expand irrigation coverage and improve agricultural productivity.
Mode of Application: Online/offline through the Minor Irrigation Department.
Sector: Agriculture and Irrigation.
UPSC - 2027 - Prelims cum Mains - New Batch Starts on 24-06-2026 
