Nishulk Boring Yojana (Free Boring Scheme)
A free borewell for small and marginal farmers, plus a pump-set grant of ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 depending on category.
Run by: Minor Irrigation Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh
- Boring
- Free
- Pump grant (small)
- ₹5,000
- Pump grant (marginal)
- ₹7,000
- Pump grant (SC/ST)
- ₹10,000
Overview
Running since 1985, this is one of UP’s oldest and plainest irrigation schemes: the Minor Irrigation Department drills the borewell, and the farmer does not pay for the boring itself. The point is to take a rainfed smallholding off the monsoon and onto groundwater it can call on when the crop actually needs water.
On top of the free boring there is a grant towards the pump-set, which is the part that makes the borewell usable — ₹5,000 for a small farmer, ₹7,000 for a marginal farmer and ₹10,000 for an SC/ST farmer. The land test differs by category: general-category farmers must hold no more than 2 hectares, while for SC and ST farmers there is no land ceiling at all.
What you get
The benefit as the state notifies it — nothing here is an estimate.
- The borewell is drilled free of cost by the Minor Irrigation Department.
- A pump-set grant on top — ₹5,000 for a small farmer, ₹7,000 for a marginal farmer, ₹10,000 for an SC/ST farmer.
- No land ceiling for SC and ST farmers; general-category farmers qualify up to 2 hectares.
- Turns a rainfed plot into one with an assured water source, so sowing is not a gamble on the monsoon.
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
- Resident farmer of Uttar Pradesh
- Small or marginal farmer — general category up to 2 hectares of land
- SC and ST farmers eligible with no land ceiling
- Holding without an existing assured irrigation source
Not covered
- General-category holdings above the 2-hectare limit
- Plots already served by an assured irrigation source
Documents you need
Have these ready before you start — most rejections are a missing paper, not a missing right.
- Aadhaar card
- Khatauni / land record
- Caste certificate for the SC/ST rate
- Bank passbook
- Passport-size photograph
How to apply
Fewer steps than a central scheme, and usually one office rather than a portal.
- 1
Apply to the Minor Irrigation Department
Applications go through minorirrigationup.gov.in or the district Minor Irrigation office, with documents uploaded.
- 2
Verification of category and holding
Your category and land size are verified — these decide both eligibility and the size of the pump-set grant.
- 3
Boring done, pump grant released
The department drills the borewell at no cost, and the pump-set grant for your category is released.
Frequently asked questions
Is the borewell really free?
The boring itself is done free by the Minor Irrigation Department. The pump-set is separate — you get a grant of ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 towards it depending on your category.
I have more than 2 hectares. Can I apply?
Not in the general category, which is capped at 2 hectares. SC and ST farmers, however, face no land ceiling under this scheme.
How much is the pump grant?
₹5,000 for a small farmer, ₹7,000 for a marginal farmer and ₹10,000 for an SC/ST farmer.
Facts checked against minorirrigationup.gov.in on 24 July 2026. editorial policy.