PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (Agriculture)
PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (Agriculture)
Why In News:
The Union Agriculture Minister reviewed the implementation of PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, which focuses on improving agricultural performance in 100 low-productivity districts through convergence of existing schemes.
About the Scheme
Announced: In the Union Budget 2025–26, PMDDKY aims to improve agricultural productivity, farmer incomes and rural livelihoods.
Model: Inspired by the Aspirational Districts Programme, but focused specifically on agriculture and allied sectors.
Convergence-based approach: It does not have a completely separate funding pool; instead, it converges funds from 36 existing schemes across 11 departments.
Financial Outlay: About ₹24,000 crore annually from 2025–26 to 2030–31, amounting to ₹1.44 lakh crore over six years.
Key Objectives: To raise agricultural productivity and farmer incomes through better irrigation, credit and technology; promote crop diversification and sustainable farming; strengthen storage, processing and value addition; support women, youth and allied sectors; and achieve greater self-sufficiency in foodgrains, pulses and oilseeds.
Selection of Districts
Low agricultural productivity: Priority to districts where crop yields are below national averages.
Low cropping intensity: Districts with relatively fewer crop cycles per year will be targeted.
Limited credit access: Preference to districts with low access to institutional credit and Kisan Credit Cards.
Balanced regional representation: Selection considers the net cropped area and operational holdings of States/UTs, with at least one district from each State.
Implementation
Implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare through selected districts.
Each district will prepare a District Agriculture Development Plan (DADP) through a District Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana Samiti, chaired by the District Collector.
Implementation will involve district administration, State agriculture departments and Central Nodal Officers, who will monitor progress and outcomes.
The approach emphasises convergence, measurable outcomes and district-level planning, similar to the Aspirational Districts model.
Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP)
About: Launched in 2018, the ADP aims to transform 112 underdeveloped districts by improving outcomes in health, nutrition, education, agriculture, infrastructure and financial inclusion.
3C Framework: The programme promotes cooperative and competitive federalism through:
Convergence: Bringing together different Central and State government schemes.
Collaboration: Coordinating efforts of district, State and Central-level agencies.
Competition: Encouraging districts to compete on development outcomes and improve their performance.
Data-Driven Governance: District performance is monitored through the Champions of Change Dashboard, using indicators across five key development areas.
The Delta Ranking focuses on the improvement achieved by a district from its own baseline, rather than simply comparing absolute performance.