PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched the 'PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana' at a special event at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi.
The scheme, with an outlay of ₹24,000 crore, was launched alongside the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses.
The scheme falls under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
The scheme is by the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme
Objectives:
Transform agriculture in 100 identified districts with relatively low productivity and weaker agri infrastructure.
Enhance farmers’ income through better resource utilization, diversification, and technological integration.
Ensure localised planning and implementation, with district-specific agricultural action plans based on soil, climate, and resource availability.
Strengthen animal husbandry, fisheries, and allied sectors as additional income sources for farmers.
Encourage farmers to grow export-oriented crops to reduce imports and boost India's agricultural exports.
Features:
The scheme is inspired by the successful Aspirational Districts Programme and will initially focus on 100 selected districts across the country.
The 100 districts have been chosen based on three key parameters:
The level of agricultural output per unit of land (low productivity).
The number of times crops are cultivated on the same land within a year (cropping intensity).
The availability of institutional loans or investment facilities for farmers.
A key feature is the integration of 36 different government schemes to work in a unified manner.
This includes initiatives like the National Mission on Natural Farming and the 'Per Drop More Crop' campaign.
The scheme is designed with flexibility to allow for planning tailored to the specific needs and agro-climatic conditions of each district.
The yojana also places special emphasis on allied sectors like animal husbandry, fisheries, and beekeeping to provide additional income sources for farmers.