The Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) is a major agricultural initiative launched by the Government of India, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Union Budget 2025-26 on February 1, 2025, and approved by the Union Cabinet on July 16, 2025. It aims to transform agriculture in 100 underperforming districts by enhancing productivity, promoting sustainable practices, and improving farmers' livelihoods. The scheme draws inspiration from the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and is designed to benefit approximately 1.7 crore farmers over six years, starting from 2025-26, with an annual outlay of ?24,000 crore.

The PMDDKY focuses on five main objectives:

1. Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: Improving crop yields through modern technology, quality seeds, fertilizers, and better land utilization.
2. Promoting Crop Diversification: Encouraging farmers to grow diverse crops to ensure income stability and adapt to changing climate patterns.
3. Strengthening Post-Harvest Infrastructure: Developing storage and processing facilities at panchayat and block levels to reduce wastage and improve price realization.
4. Improving Irrigation Facilities: Expanding irrigation to increase land utilization and crop yields, particularly in low-productivity areas.
5. Facilitating Credit Access: Providing short-term and long-term credit to help farmers invest in modern equipment and sustainable farming practices.

Key Features

• Targeted Districts: The scheme targets 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average credit access. Each state and Union Territory will have at least one district included, selected based on net cropped area and operational landholdings.
• Convergence of Schemes: It integrates 36 existing central schemes across 11 ministries, along with state schemes and private sector partnerships, to streamline resources and maximize impact.
• District-Level Planning: A District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti, led by the district collector and including progressive farmers, will finalize a District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan aligned with national goals like water and soil conservation, natural/organic farming, and self-sufficiency.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Progress will be tracked monthly using 117 key performance indicators (KPIs) via a digital dashboard. NITI Aayog and Central Nodal Officers will review district plans regularly.
• Technology Integration: The scheme emphasizes technology-driven solutions, such as innovative farming tools and climate-resilient practices, to optimize production and resource management.
• Budget: Funded through convergence of existing schemes under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and others, with ?1.37 lakh crore allocated to the agriculture sector in the 2025-26 Budget (a 4% increase from the previous year).

Beneficiaries

• Small and Marginal Farmers: To receive financial aid and access to modern farming techniques.
• Agricultural Cooperatives and FPOs: To expand market reach and improve pricing structures.
• Agri-Tech Startups: To develop innovative solutions for efficiency and productivity.
• Women Farmers and SHGs: To promote financial independence through technology-driven farming.
• Rural Communities: To benefit from improved infrastructure, credit access, and employment opportunities.

Implementation

• The scheme will be implemented in collaboration with state governments, ensuring localized strategies.
• Central and state agricultural universities will serve as technical knowledge partners for each district.
• The initiative aligns with the national goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) by boosting rural economies and reducing migration by creating local livelihoods.

Expected Impact

• Increased Productivity: Targeting low-yield areas to raise national agricultural performance indicators.
• Sustainability: Promoting climate-resilient and eco-friendly farming practices.
• Economic Growth: Enhancing farmers' incomes and stabilizing rural economies through better infrastructure and credit access.
• Self-Sufficiency: Supporting food security and reducing dependence on imports by improving domestic production.

Challenges

• Implementation: Effective coordination between central and state governments is crucial to avoid bureaucratic delays.
• Farmer Awareness: Extensive outreach is needed to educate farmers about the scheme’s benefits.
• Inclusion: Ensuring women farmers and smallholders are adequately represented in committees and benefits.

The PMDDKY is a significant step toward modernizing Indian agriculture, with a focus on sustainability, technology, and inclusivity. Its success will depend on efficient execution and active participation from all stakeholders.