Context:

The Union Cabinet on (July 16, 2025) approved the “Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana”, or PMDDKY, to enhance agricultural productivity and increase adoption of sustainable agricultural practices across the country. The scheme was announced in the Budget earlier this year. The total outlay of the scheme is ₹24,000 crore per year for six years beginning 2025-26. This scheme will help 1.7 crore farmers.

Key Features of PMDDKY

·        Merging of Schemes: The PMDDKY will merge 36 existing schemes from 11 ministries, ensuring a coordinated approach to agricultural development.

·        100 Districts: The scheme will focus on 100 districts identified based on low productivity, low cropping intensity, and less credit disbursement.

·        District-Level Planning: A District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan will be finalized by the District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti, which will include progressive farmers as members.

·        National Goals: The district plans will be aligned with national goals, including crop diversification, conservation of water and soil health, and self-sufficiency in agriculture and allied sectors.

Objectives of the scheme:

·         Improve post-harvest storage at panchayat and block levels.

·         Enhance irrigation infrastructure.

·         Ensure better access to short-term and long-term credit.

·         Promote natural and organic farming, crop diversification, and water-soil conservation.

·         Foster value addition and allied activities in agriculture.

·         Encourage local partnerships, including with the private sector.

Key agriculture-related initiatives introduced in Union Budget 2025–26:

The Union Budget 2025–26 places agriculture at the center of India’s growth strategy, with a focus on productivity, sustainability, and farmer incomes. Major initiatives include:

• PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana for enhancing crop productivity and sustainable practices in 100 low-productivity districts.
• Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses to boost domestic production of Tur, Urad, and Masoor using climate-resilient seeds and assured procurement.
• National Mission on High Yielding Seeds and Cotton Productivity Mission to promote better quality, resilient crop varieties.
• Enhanced Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan limit from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh to expand access to credit for 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers.

Conclusion:

PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana has the potential to transform Indian agriculture, promoting sustainable practices, increasing productivity, and enhancing farmer incomes. With its comprehensive approach and focus on district-level planning, the scheme is poised to make a significant impact on the agricultural sector.