Cabinet clears PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana 2024-31

On July 16, 2025, the Union Cabinet approved a major new scheme called the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana. The scheme is set to run for six years starting 2025-26, with an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore. It aims to improve agriculture and allied sectors in 100 selected districts by increasing productivity, irrigation, storage, and credit support. This decision marks an important step toward addressing rural development and food security goals at the national level.

Background and Context

The new scheme builds on the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme, focusing on comprehensive development in regions lagging behind in key agricultural indicators. Despite India being a major agricultural country, several districts still face low productivity and poor access to financial and technological support. This initiative targets those gaps to ensure more balanced and inclusive growth in the agriculture sector.

Aim and Objectives

The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY) has been launched to bring fast-paced improvement in agricultural infrastructure and output in identified districts. The core objectives include increasing agricultural productivity, promoting crop diversification, expanding irrigation facilities, enhancing storage capacity, and ensuring greater access to agricultural credit. These efforts aim to empower local farmers, improve food production, and generate rural employment.

Key Features and Implementation

The scheme will cover 100 agricultural districts, identified based on factors like low cropping intensity, low productivity, and low credit flow. Each state will have at least one selected district, and the number of districts per state will depend on the net cropped area and land holdings. The programme will operate through convergence of 36 schemes across 11 ministries, integrating both central and state government efforts as well as private sector partnerships.

Each district will formulate a District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan, guided by the DDKY Samiti under the District Collector. Central Nodal Officers and a committee-based structure at national, state, and district levels will ensure effective implementation. Progress will be monitored monthly through a dashboard tracking 117 performance indicators, with NITI Aayog providing strategic guidance. Each district will also have a technical partner, such as a Central or State Agriculture University.

Expected Benefits and Significance

The scheme is projected to benefit 1.7 crore farmers directly. It will help bridge regional disparities in agriculture, promote value-added farming, and increase self-reliance in food production. By focusing on district-specific solutions based on local agro-climatic conditions, it ensures relevance and effectiveness. The overall strategy aligns with India’s goals of doubling farmers’ income and achieving rural sustainability through technology and policy convergence.