In a landmark decision, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the “Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana” for a period of six years starting from the financial year 2025–26. The scheme, focused exclusively on agriculture and allied sectors, aims to transform 100 selected districts across the country and is inspired by NITI Aayog’s successful Aspirational Districts Programme.
The scheme is a first-of-its-kind national initiative that targets districts lagging in agricultural productivity, cropping intensity, and credit disbursement. Districts will be selected using data-driven criteria, ensuring a minimum of one district from every state/UT, based on the share of Net Cropped Area and operational holdings.
The objectives of the scheme include enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting crop diversification, expanding sustainable and organic farming, improving irrigation infrastructure, boosting post-harvest storage capacity at panchayat and block levels, and ensuring access to both long-term and short-term credit for farmers.
A key feature of the Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana is its integrated implementation model. It will converge 36 existing schemes from 11 different departments, while also leveraging state schemes and private sector partnerships. This convergence will ensure that the scheme is not only comprehensive but also resource-efficient.
For efficient governance, committees will be constituted at the District, State, and National levels. Each district will formulate a District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan under the supervision of the District Dhan-Dhaanya Samiti, which will also include progressive farmers as members. These plans will align with the national objectives of soil and water conservation, crop diversification, and self-reliance in agriculture.
The scheme’s monitoring mechanism is equally robust, with progress being tracked through 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) using a digital dashboard updated monthly. Central Nodal Officers and NITI Aayog will conduct regular reviews and provide strategic guidance.
By targeting the weakest performing districts, the scheme is expected to lift the national agricultural performance indicators. Outcomes include higher crop yields, enhanced value addition, increased local employment, and a boost in domestic agricultural production, contributing significantly towards the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana is poised to become a transformative step in India’s journey toward sustainable and inclusive agricultural development.
