Context:
The Union Cabinet approved the “Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana”, or PMDDKY, to enhance agricultural productivity and increase adoption of sustainable agricultural practices across the country. PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) is a flagship initiative aimed at transforming Indian agriculture. Announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, the scheme focuses on enhancing productivity and promoting sustainable farming.
Financial Outlay and Duration
- Total Outlay: ₹24,000 crore per year.
- Duration: 6 years (from FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31).
- Total Beneficiaries: 1.7 crore farmers across India.
Convergence of Schemes
- Merges 36 existing schemes from 11 Union Ministries/Departments.
- Includes convergence with:
- State-level schemes.
- Panchayat-level initiatives.
- Private sector partnerships.
Objective of PM-DDKY
To boost agriculture and allied sectors by:
- Enhancing agricultural productivity
- Promoting crop diversification
- Encouraging sustainable and organic/natural farming
- Strengthening post-harvest storage infrastructure
- Improving irrigation facilities
- Facilitating access to short-term and long-term credit
Key Features
- Inspired by: NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme
- Selection Criteria for Districts:
- Low agricultural productivity
- Low cropping intensity
- Low agri-credit disbursement
- Minimum Coverage: At least 1 district from each State/UT
- District Allocation: Based on share of Net Cropped Area and operational land holdings
Implementation Mechanism
- Convergence: Utilizes 36 central schemes + state/local + PPP models
- Institutional Setup:
- District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti: Prepares District Agriculture & Allied Activities Plan
- Includes progressive farmers
- State and National Level Committees for coordination
- Central Nodal Officers to monitor progress in each district
- District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti: Prepares District Agriculture & Allied Activities Plan
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Monthly Dashboard Monitoring using 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Plans aligned with national goals of:
- Crop diversification
- Soil and water conservation
- Self-sufficiency in agri and allied sectors
- NITI Aayog to provide technical and planning guidance
Expected Outcomes
- Higher productivity and value addition in agri & allied sectors
- Boost in local livelihoods and employment
- Enhanced domestic production and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance)
- Upward shift in national KPIs as targeted districts improve
