Government Endorses PM Dhan-Dhaanya Agriculture Scheme, Boosting Agricultural Industry
The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has recently approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), a six-year agricultural scheme with an allocated outlay of Rs 24,000 crore per year. The scheme, which commences in the financial year 2025-26, targets 100 districts across India, aiming to boost agricultural productivity and empower local farmers [1][2][3].
The selection of these districts is based on criteria such as low agricultural productivity, low cropping intensity, and limited credit access for farmers. Each state and Union Territory will have at least one district included, with additional districts chosen proportionally by net cropped area and number of operational holdings.
The PMDDKY will implement its objectives through the convergence of 36 existing government schemes from 11 central ministries, integrating them with state initiatives and private sector partnerships to maximize impact [1][3]. Each selected district will prepare a customised Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan through a District Dhan-Dhaanya Samiti led by the district collector and including progressive farmers as members.
Governance and monitoring of the scheme will be overseen by committees at district, state, and national levels. Central Nodal Officers (CNOs) will conduct field visits and monitor progress. Performance will be tracked using 117 key performance indicators (KPIs) on a digital dashboard with monthly updates, enabling transparent and data-driven management. NITI Aayog will provide ongoing guidance and evaluation [1].
Central and State agricultural universities in each district will serve as technical knowledge partners to enhance the implementation framework [3]. The expected outcomes of the PMDDKY include boosting agricultural productivity and cropping intensity, increasing credit access and financial inclusion for farmers, diversification into allied sectors and sustainable farming practices, strengthening post-harvest storage infrastructure, and empowering around 1.7 crore farmers directly benefiting from the scheme's interventions [2].
The PMDDKY draws inspiration from NITI Aayog's Aspirational District Programme and is part of the Budget proposals for 2025-26 to develop 100 districts. The scheme focuses exclusively on agriculture and allied sectors, with the aim to result in higher productivity, value addition in agriculture and allied sectors, local livelihood creation, and increase domestic production.
In conclusion, the PMDDKY is designed to transform India's agricultural landscape at a district level through coordinated, data-driven, and sustainable approaches, with the goal to uplift productivity, resilience, and farmer incomes in India’s most vulnerable agricultural regions [1][2][3]. Committees will be formed at the District, State, and National level for the effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of the PMDDKY.
- The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) aims to increase financial inclusion for farmers by providing credit access, as part of its objective to empower local farmers.
- The PMDDKY also focuses on boosting health and well-being in rural areas by promoting sustainable farming practices and diversifying into allied sectors, such as dairy and fisheries, for improved livelihoods.
