Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana on July 17, 2025, a transformative six-year plan targeting 100 underperforming farm districts across India. The initiative, inspired by NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme, seeks to elevate these regions to match the nation’s leading agricultural areas by integrating 36 government schemes, improving crop productivity, and boosting farmer incomes through sustainable practices and enhanced infrastructure.

PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: A Strategic Push for Agricultural Equity

Key Objectives and Implementation

The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana is designed to address disparities in agricultural output and income by focusing on districts identified for low productivity, low cropping intensity, and limited credit disbursement. The scheme will run for six years starting from 2025-26, with an annual outlay of Rs 24,000 crore, and aims to benefit 1.7 crore farmers nationwide.

Integration of 36 Existing Schemes: The program will unify efforts from 11 central ministries and departments, leveraging resources and expertise for maximum impact.
District Selection Criteria: Districts are chosen based on their share of Net Cropped Area and operational holdings, ensuring proportional representation from every state and union territory.
Local and Private Partnerships: Implementation will involve collaboration with state-level schemes and local private sector partners, fostering innovation and responsiveness to local needs.
Monitoring and Accountability: Progress will be tracked using 117 key performance indicators via a monthly dashboard, with oversight from NITI Aayog and central nodal officers assigned to each district.

Table: Scheme Features and Targets

Scheme Structure and Coverage

Feature	Details
Duration	6 years (2025-2031)
Annual Outlay	Rs 24,000 crore
Districts Covered	100 (minimum one per state/UT)
Beneficiaries	1.7 crore farmers
Schemes Unified	36 (from 11 ministries/departments)
Selection Criteria	Low productivity, cropping intensity, credit
Monitoring	117 KPIs, monthly dashboard, NITI Aayog

Critical Interventions

Crop Diversification: Encouraging farmers to adopt varied crops for better resilience and market opportunities.
Sustainable Practices: Promoting natural and organic farming, water and soil conservation, and improved irrigation infrastructure.
Post-Harvest Storage: Expanding storage facilities at panchayat and block levels to reduce waste and improve market access.
Credit Access: Facilitating both long-term and short-term credit to empower farmers financially.
District-Level Planning: Each district will prepare a District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan (DAAAP), involving progressive farmers in decision-making.

Background and Context

The scheme draws on lessons from the Aspirational Districts Programme, which shifted focus from state-level development to targeted district-level interventions, emphasizing potential rather than deficits. By converging multiple schemes and fostering local leadership, the government aims to create a mass movement for agricultural transformation.

“This will not only increase crop production in lagging districts but also boost the income of our food providers,” PM Modi stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What criteria are used to select the 100 districts for the scheme?
Districts are chosen based on low productivity, cropping intensity, and credit disbursement, ensuring proportional representation across states.

How will progress be monitored under the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana?
A dashboard tracking 117 key performance indicators will be updated monthly, with oversight from NITI Aayog and central nodal officers.

Will private sector participation be mandatory in every district?
Local partnerships with private entities are encouraged but not mandatory; implementation depends on district-specific needs and opportunities.

What is the role of progressive farmers in district planning?
Progressive farmers will be members of the District Dhan-Dhaanya Samiti, contributing practical insights to the district’s agricultural plan.

Are livestock and fisheries included in the scheme’s scope?
While the scheme focuses on agriculture, allied activities such as livestock and fisheries may be integrated through district-level planning.

Key Takeaways

The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana represents a bold, data-driven approach to bridging regional gaps in Indian agriculture, promising targeted support, unified resources, and rigorous monitoring. As the scheme unfolds, stakeholders—including farmers, local officials, and private partners—will play a crucial role in ensuring its success and transforming India’s rural landscape. Readers are encouraged to follow scheme updates and engage with local agricultural initiatives to maximize impact.