Union Cabinet has approved Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY) with an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore, to be implemented over 6 years (2025–26 to 2030–31). The scheme aims to transform 100 low-performing agricultural districts through the convergence of 36 existing schemes across 11 Central Ministries, drawing inspiration from the Aspirational District Programme. Around 1.7 crore farmers are expected to benefit directly from this initiative.
Background
| Aspect | Details |
| Announced In | Union Budget 2025–26 |
| Inspired by | NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme (2018) |
| Primary Focus | Agriculture and allied sectors |
| Funding Model | Convergence of Central + State schemes with private/local participation |
| Budgetary Allocation | ₹24,000 crore annually (₹1.44 lakh crore for 6 years) |
Objectives of PM-DDKY
The scheme is a multi-dimensional rural development intervention, with the following key objectives:
- Enhance agricultural productivity
- Promote crop diversification and sustainable farming
- Increase post-harvest storage at panchayat/block level
- Improve irrigation infrastructure
- Expand access to short- and long-term agri-credit
Goal: Enable climate-resilient, technology-enabled, and market-driven agriculture
Target Area: Selection of 100 Agricultural Districts
| Selection Criteria | Basis |
| Low agricultural productivity | Crop output below national average |
| Low cropping intensity | Single crop per year or low multiple cropping |
| Less credit disbursement | Low reach of institutional agri-finance |
| Geographic Balance | At least 1 district per state/UT selected |
| Metric for Allocation | Share of Net Cropped Area and operational holdings |
Net Cropped Area: Total land sown with crops in an agricultural year (counted once).
Structural Design & Implementation Mechanism
At District Level
- District Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (DDKY) Samiti formed
- Chaired by District Collector or Gram Panchayat
- Includes progressive farmers, line department officers
- Prepares District Agriculture & Allied Plan based on:
- Local agro-climatic conditions
- Cropping patterns, allied activities
- Priorities like soil conservation, natural farming, self-sufficiency
State Level
- State-level steering groups ensure convergence and inter-departmental coordination
National Level
- Two teams:
- One under Union Ministers
- One under Secretaries & officers
Monitoring
- 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Monthly reviews via central digital dashboard
- Appointed Central Nodal Officers per district for field visits & implementation monitoring
Timeline (2025)
| Activity | Timeline |
| District finalization & nodal teams | By July 2025 |
| Capacity building & training | August 2025 |
| Scheme rollout | Rabi season – October |
Institutional & Technical Support
| Institution | Role |
| NITI Aayog | Strategic direction, KPI monitoring, capacity-building |
| Agri Universities | 100 districts will be linked to State/Central Agri Universities as technical knowledge partners |
Digital Ecosystem for Real-Time Monitoring
- Mobile App for farmers (multilingual)
- Web Portal/Dashboard for scheme tracking
- District Performance Ranking system introduced
Expected Impact
| Outcome | Impact |
| Higher productivity | Due to convergence of agri-infra, irrigation, and technology |
| Value addition | Through post-harvest storage and agri-processing |
| Diversified livelihoods | Includes fisheries, animal husbandry, beekeeping, agroforestry |
| Self-reliant farming ecosystem | Aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat vision |
| Stable farm incomes | Market linkage + input access + storage + credit |
Conclusion
Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana is set to become a game-changer for rural India. By integrating schemes, building local capacities, and fostering real-time governance, it aims to:
- Empower 1.7 crore+ farmers
- Create vibrant agri-value chains
- Promote resilient and inclusive rural development
This initiative is in line with the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, ensuring last-mile delivery and farmer-centric growth.
Key Facts:
| Topic | Fact |
| NITI Aayog | Formed: 2015, replaces Planning Commission |
| Aspirational Districts Programme | Launched: 2018, Targets: 112 most backward districts |
| Net Cropped Area in India | ~141 million hectares (as per latest estimates) |
| 11 Ministries involved in PM-DDKY | Agriculture, Rural Development, Water Resources, Food Processing, etc. |
| Crop Diversification Mission | Focuses on replacing water-intensive crops with sustainable alternatives |