Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

February 15, 2025

The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY) was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Union Budget presentation on February 1, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity in under-developed districts across India. The programme draws inspiration from the successful Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), which was initiated in January 2018. The PMDKY is set to focus on 100 districts identified based on specific agricultural parameters.

Objectives of PMDKY

The PMDKY has five key objectives:

Enhance agricultural productivity.
Promote crop diversification and sustainable agricultural practices.
Improve post-harvest storage facilities at the panchayat and block levels.
Improve irrigation infrastructure.
Facilitate access to both long-term and short-term credit for farmers.

Selection of Districts

The selection of districts for the PMDKY will be based on three parameters – low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average credit metrics. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is currently gathering data to identify these districts. Crop intensity is defined as the ratio of the gross cropped area to the net area sown, indicating how efficiently land is utilised.

Impact on Farmers

The PMDKY is expected to benefit approximately 1.7 crore farmers. While the budget does not specify a separate allocation for the scheme, funding will be sourced from existing agricultural schemes. The formal approval from the Union Cabinet is required before the programme is rolled out.

Rural Prosperity and Resilience

In addition to PMDKY, a multi-sectoral programme aimed at building rural prosperity and resilience will be launched. This initiative will address under-employment in agriculture through skills development, investment, and technology. The focus will be on empowering rural women, young farmers, and marginalised communities to create self-sustaining economic opportunities.

Focus on Pulses and Vegetables

The government is also launching a Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, targeting self-sufficiency in edible oils. This mission will focus on increasing the cultivated area and ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. Furthermore, a comprehensive programme for the production and supply of vegetables and fruits will be initiated to meet rising nutritional demands.

Implementation Mechanisms

To ensure effective implementation, institutional mechanisms will be established involving farmer producer organisations and cooperatives. This collaborative approach aims to streamline agricultural practices and enhance productivity across the targeted districts.

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