PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY): A Comprehensive Agricultural Reform
Context
The Union Cabinet has approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), as announced in the 2025–26 Union Budget, to enhance agricultural productivity and promote sustainable practices. This marks a significant shift toward integrated farm sector planning.
Key Features
- Convergence of Schemes:
- Merges 36 schemes across 11 Ministries/Departments.
- Annual outlay: ₹24,000 crore for 6 years (starting 2025–26).
- Expected to benefit 7 crore farmers.
- Objectives:
- Boost productivity and sustainable farming.
- Enhance irrigation, post-harvest infrastructure, and credit access.
- Promote crop diversification, organic/natural farming, and resource conservation.
- Planning and Implementation:
- Committees at district, State, and national levels.
- Each district will prepare a District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan.
- Inclusion of progressive farmers in planning bodies.
Target Districts
- 100 districts to be selected initially, using indicators:
- Low productivity, low cropping intensity, low credit disbursement.
- At least one district from every State/UT.
- Allocation based on Net Cropped Area and operational holdings.
- Modelled on the Aspirational Districts Programme.
Expected Outcomes
- Higher agricultural and allied sector productivity.
- Improved local livelihoods and value addition.
- Strengthened soil and water resource management.
- Enhanced self-reliance and reduced credit dependency.
Expert Views
- Positive: Holistic, resilience-oriented approach.
- Concerns:
- District selection should factor net agri income per hectare.
- Low credit disbursement may not be a valid performance metric.
- Emphasis should shift to reducing credit dependence through income diversification.
Significance
The PMDDKY is a first-of-its-kind national farm initiative focused exclusively on agriculture and allied sectors, aiming to transform underperforming districts into agro-economic hubs, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.
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