PMDDKY: Prime Minister Launches ‘Dhan-Dhanya Agricultural Scheme’ to Boost Farmers’ Income

Krishi Dunia

• 12 Oct, 2025 01:57 PM IST ,
• Updated Sun, 12 Oct 2025 06:17 PM

In a major step to energize the agriculture sector and double farmers’ income, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Agricultural Scheme (PMDDKY) from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi.

The scheme aims to accelerate agricultural development in 100 aspirational districts across India, where productivity and resources have traditionally been limited.

Key Features of the Scheme

• Duration: 2025–26 to 2031 (6 years)
• Estimated Budget: ₹24,000 crore
• Beneficiaries: Expected to directly benefit 1.7 crore farmers
• Integrated Approach: 36 existing schemes from 11 ministries are merged under PMDDKY, including 19 from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare

District Coverage

The scheme will cover a total of 100 districts nationwide, including:

• Uttar Pradesh (12 districts): Mahoba, Sonbhadra, Hamirpur, Banda, Jalaun, Jhansi, Unnao, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Pratapgarh, Shravasti, Lalitpur
• Maharashtra (9 districts): Palghar, Yavatmal, Gadchiroli, Dhule, Raigad, Sambhajinagar, Chandrapur, Nanded, Beed
• Bihar (7 districts): Madhubani, Darbhanga, Banka, Gaya, Siwan, Kishanganj, Nawada
• Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan (8 districts each)
• Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal (4 districts each)

Criteria for Selection

Districts were chosen based on:

• Low agricultural productivity
• Limited access to short-term agricultural credit
• Underutilized land and low cropping intensity
• Farmers harvesting fewer crops per year

The goal is to transform these districts into developed agricultural zones.

Implementation Strategy

• District Agricultural Development Plan will be prepared for each district.
• A three-tier monitoring system will operate at central, state, and district levels.
• Central Nodal Officers (CNOs) appointed for all 100 districts.
• Funds will be released by the central government and utilized via district administrations.

Role of the Private Sector

The government aims to encourage private investment in agriculture through:

• Crop diversification, value addition, and storage incentives for companies
• Expansion of food processing units, cold storage, and logistics infrastructure
• Inclusion of FPOs, cooperatives, and women’s self-help groups (SHGs)

Focus on Women and Small Farmers

• Small and marginal farmers will be included under a cluster model
• Women farmers will receive special support through initiatives like Drone Didi, Lakhpati Didi, BC Sakhi, Pashu Sakhi, and Krishi Sakhi
• Farmers will get affordable credit, technical training, and assistance for agricultural equipment

Key Focus Areas

• Crop Diversification: Encouraging pulses, oilseeds, and horticulture along with cereals
• Animal Husbandry & Fisheries: Special support for livestock and fisheries development
• Infrastructure: Improvement in storage, irrigation, and post-harvest management
• Sustainable Practices: Promotion of natural farming and climate-resilient techniques

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Agricultural Scheme (PMDDKY) has the potential to significantly transform farmers’ livelihoods. It aims to not only increase agricultural productivity but also provide better market prices, storage facilities, and technical assistance, ensuring a holistic boost to the agricultural sector.