How do I claim subsidy for building a farm pond and is digging done before or after approval?

Always get sanction before you dig, because subsidy on a farm pond is normally paid against an approved design and stage-wise verification, and work done before approval is often rejected. The usual flow is: apply on your state scheme portal or at the agriculture office with your land records and bank details, an officer inspects the site and approves a pond of a specified size with an estimated cost, you dig strictly to the approved dimensions, and verification is done, sometimes in stages, with geotagged photos and measurement of the actual pit. The subsidy, which is a fixed amount or a percentage of the cost capped at a ceiling that depends on the pond size, is then credited to your account. A lining for water retention may carry a separate component. Schemes and ceilings differ by state and may be linked to watershed or horticulture programmes, so confirm the current procedure, the approved size and the ceiling with your agriculture office before starting work.