Khet Talab Yojana
A 50% grant to dig a rainwater-harvesting pond in your own field — about ₹52,500 for a small pond, about ₹1,14,200 for a medium one — released to your bank by DBT in three instalments as the digging progresses.
Run by: Department of Agriculture (Soil & Water Conservation Wing), Government of Uttar Pradesh
- Grant rate
- 50% of notified cost
- Grant amount
- ~₹52,500 small · ~₹1,14,200 medium
- Paid as
- DBT, three instalments by work stage
- Running since
- 2016–17, Bundelkhand first
Overview
A farm pond is a low-cost hedge against a dry spell: it catches monsoon runoff that would otherwise drain away and holds it for one or two life-saving irrigations later in the season. Over years, ponds spread across a block also lift the local water table — which is why the scheme targets blocks officially classed as "over-exploited" or "critical" for groundwater.
The scheme began in 2016–17 as a Bundelkhand measure and was rolled out more widely under the Yogi Adityanath government. The first phase covered every development block of seven Bundelkhand districts — Jhansi, Jalaun, Lalitpur, Banda, Chitrakoot, Hamirpur and Mahoba — with 2,000 ponds for ₹12.20 crore. A second phase widened it to 167 notified over-exploited and critical blocks across about 73 districts, with another 3,384 ponds for ₹27.88 crore. It is run by the state with central support under RKVY.
There are two notified pond sizes, both 3 metres deep: a small pond of 22×20×3 m with an estimated cost of ₹1,05,000, and a medium pond of 35×30×3 m at ₹2,28,400. The grant is a flat 50% of that notified cost — roughly ₹52,500 for a small pond and ₹1,14,200 for a medium one — and it reaches the farmer's bank account by DBT in three instalments tied to how far the work has progressed, not as one payment at the end. The farmer arranges the other half, and the full cost up front.
One condition trips up many applicants: per the department's own record, you must already have a working micro-irrigation set — drip or sprinkler — installed through the agriculture or horticulture department within the last seven years and still in use. The pond is meant to feed that system. Apply online on the Pardarshi Kisan Seva portal (upagriculture.com), tick the "khet talab" option, and the district administration approves the beneficiary list, giving priority to SC/ST, minority and small/marginal farmers. One farmer is eligible for one pond.
RTI data from the department's Soil Conservation Wing (reported by OpIndia in December 2025) puts the scheme at 37,403 ponds built since launch and ₹311.43 crore spent, with yearly output peaking at 6,306 ponds in 2022–23. Bundelkhand still takes the largest share — Jhansi alone has crossed 6,200 ponds. Many farmers stock the finished pond with fish for a second income from the same pit.
What you get
The benefit as the state notifies it — nothing here is an estimate.
- Half the notified cost of the pond — about ₹52,500 for a 22×20×3 m small pond, about ₹1,14,200 for a 35×30×3 m medium one.
- Stored monsoon water gives one or two protective irrigations in a dry spell, when canal or tubewell water is short.
- Ponds spread across a block lift the groundwater table over time — the reason critical blocks were targeted.
- The pond can be stocked with fish for a second income from the same pit.
- Money comes straight to your bank by DBT, in three stages as the digging is verified.
Who is eligible
State schemes usually state their criteria as prose rather than a checklist. This is that prose, unpacked — the department’s verification is what decides.
You qualify if
- Farmer with cultivable land in a district and block covered by the scheme for that year (Bundelkhand and 167 notified over-exploited / critical groundwater blocks across about 73 districts)
- Registered on the Pardarshi Kisan Seva portal (upagriculture.com) with the "khet talab" option selected
- Already has a working drip or sprinkler set installed through the agriculture or horticulture department in the last seven years
- Has not taken a farm-pond grant before — one farmer, one pond
- Priority for SC/ST, minority and small / marginal farmers on the district-approved list
Not covered
- Farmers without an existing, functional micro-irrigation (drip or sprinkler) system
- A farmer who has already had a pond funded under this or a similar scheme
- Land outside the districts and blocks notified for the year
Documents you need
Have these ready before you start — most rejections are a missing paper, not a missing right.
- Aadhaar card
- Land record (khatauni)
- Bank passbook (for DBT)
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of the existing drip / sprinkler installation (department work order or bill)
How to apply
Fewer steps than a central scheme, and usually one office rather than a portal.
- 1
Register and book online
On upagriculture.com (Pardarshi Kisan Seva Yojana), register with land and bank details and apply under "khet talab", choosing the small or medium size. Booking is online only.
- 2
District approval
The district administration draws up and approves the beneficiary list, giving priority to SC/ST, minority and small / marginal farmers. You are told your sanctioned pond size and cost norm.
- 3
Dig to specification
Build the pond to the notified dimensions — 22×20×3 m or 35×30×3 m — and full 3 m depth. A field officer inspects it at stages.
- 4
DBT in three instalments
The 50% grant is released to your bank account in three parts linked to verified progress, not as one payment after completion.
If something goes wrong
Missing from the list, or payment stuck — here is the channel the department itself publishes for it.
- For a booking that stays pending, a beneficiary list that leaves you out without a reason, or a sanctioned instalment that does not reach your account, take it first to the block Soil Conservation / Agriculture office and then the District Agriculture Officer (Bhoomi Sanrakshan). Keep your online application number and the inspection report.
- Beyond the department, use Uttar Pradesh's Jansunwai (IGRS) — the portal at jansunwai.up.nic.in or the Jansunwai-Samadhan app — or the CM Helpline on 1076 (toll-free, 24×7). Both feed the same system run by the Lok Shikayat Vibhag at the CM Office; note the complaint number to track and reopen it.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I actually get?
50% of the notified cost — about ₹52,500 for a small 22×20×3 m pond and about ₹1,14,200 for a medium 35×30×3 m pond. You pay the other half and have to meet the full cost up front, as the grant comes in stages afterwards.
Is the grant paid in one go?
No. It is paid to your bank account by DBT in three instalments linked to how far the digging has progressed and passed inspection.
Do I need a drip or sprinkler system already?
Yes. Per the department's own record, you must have a working micro-irrigation set — drip or sprinkler — installed through the agriculture or horticulture department in the last seven years and still in use. The pond is meant to feed it.
Which districts is the scheme running in?
It began in seven Bundelkhand districts — Jhansi, Jalaun, Lalitpur, Banda, Chitrakoot, Hamirpur and Mahoba — and was widened to 167 "over-exploited" and "critical" groundwater blocks across about 73 districts. Check the current year's list for your block on upagriculture.com.
Can I use the pond for fish farming?
Yes. Once it holds water, many farmers stock it with fish for a second income. The scheme's stated purpose is water storage and irrigation, but nothing bars fish.
Do I dig the pond first or apply first?
Apply and get on the approved list first. Digging before sanction risks the pond not matching the notified size and cost norm, and the instalments are released only against verified, approved work.
Can one farmer get two ponds?
No. One farmer is eligible for one pond under the scheme.
Facts checked against upagriculture.com on 8 September 2026. editorial policy.