The programme will be implemented across 100 districts and is expected to benefit 1.7 crore farmers by converging 36 central schemes aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience.
What is PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana?
The scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, draws from the Aspirational District Programme framework and is the first of its kind focused exclusively on agriculture and allied sectors. The 100 selected districts will be identified based on three indicators—low agricultural productivity, low cropping intensity, and limited credit flow.
Every state and Union Territory will have a minimum of one district under the scheme. The number of districts per state will be proportionate to the share of net cropped area and operational holdings.
Key components of the scheme
- Improve farm productivity
- Promote crop diversification and sustainable farming
- Expand post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block levels
- Enhance irrigation infrastructure
- Improve access to short- and long-term agricultural credit
According to the Cabinet statement, convergence will occur across 36 existing schemes from 11 central ministries, in coordination with state-level programmes and private sector partners.
Institutional framework and monitoring
Three-tier committees will be established at the national, state, and district levels to oversee planning, implementation, and monitoring. A District Dhan-Dhaanya Samiti, which will include progressive farmers, will prepare and finalize the District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan. These district plans will be aligned with national goals related to water conservation, soil health, natural farming, and self-reliance in agriculture.
Progress will be tracked monthly across 117 key performance indicators via a digital dashboard. NITI Aayog will provide regular guidance and review district-level plans, while Central Nodal Officers will monitor on-ground implementation.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana will augment post-harvest storage, improve irrigation facilities, and enhance farm productivity.”
The official press release added, “As the indicators of these 100 districts improve, the national indicators will automatically show an upward trajectory.”
The programme is aimed at value addition in agriculture, creation of local livelihoods, and supporting the goal of self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat).
Content Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com