New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, a dedicated scheme focusing exclusively on agriculture and allied sectors.
PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, set to roll out from the financial year 2025 – 26, will span six years and initially target 100 districts identified as lagging in key agri-development indicators.
Inspired by the success of NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme, this new initiative is designed to elevate agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification, strengthen irrigation and storage infrastructure and enhance the availability of agricultural credit.
The 100 districts will be selected based on three core indicators. These are:
- Low agricultural productivity
- Low cropping intensity
- Minimal disbursement of agricultural credit.
Each state and Union Territory will have at least one district under the scheme, with further allocations based on their share in Net Cropped Area and operational holdings.
PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana represents a holistic and integrated approach, with implementation driven through the convergence of 36 existing Central schemes across 11 departments, along with complementary State initiatives and partnerships with private stakeholders.
At the heart of the programme will be localised District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plans, crafted by specially constituted District Dhan Dhaanya Samitis. These committees will include progressive farmers and focus on goals such as sustainable farming, soil and water conservation, self-reliance in agriculture and a push for organic and natural farming practices.
To ensure effective oversight, planning and implementation, three-tier committees will be established at the district, state and national levels. Progress in each selected district will be tracked monthly using 117 key performance indicators via a digital dashboard.
NITI Aayog will also play a central role in guiding and reviewing district plans, while Central Nodal Officers will be appointed to supervise developments on the ground.
Officials said the outcomes in these districts are expected to lift national agricultural indicators as well, promoting greater self-reliance, improved local livelihoods and increased domestic agri-output.
As productivity and credit availability improve at the grassroots, the government anticipates a substantial impact on food security and rural incomes, aligning with the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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