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Context

The Prime Minister has launched the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) to increase agricultural productivity and farmers' income in 100 low-performing districts through the convergence of existing government schemes.

What is the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)?

It is a centrally sponsored scheme focused exclusively on agriculture and its allied sectors, including livestock, dairy, and fisheries.

Budget: With an initial outlay of ₹24,000 crore for a six-year period starting in FY 2025–26.

Inspiration: The scheme borrows its core strategy from the NITI Aayog's highly successful Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP)

What Are the Core Objectives of PMDDKY?

• Enhance Agricultural Productivity: Increase crop yields, cropping intensity, and modernize farming techniques to make every hectare more efficient.
• Ensure Inclusive Growth: Bridge the gap in farm output and credit between developed and underdeveloped regions, giving all farmers equal opportunities.
• Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage crop diversification, organic farming, and natural methods to protect soil and water resources.
• Strengthen Post-Harvest Infrastructure: Build and upgrade storage at panchayat and block levels to reduce losses and prevent distress selling.
• Improve Irrigation Facilities: Expand irrigation infrastructure to secure water supply and stabilize agricultural output against erratic monsoons.
• Facilitate Credit Access: Provide easy access to formal short- and long-term credit, reducing dependence on high-interest informal loans.

These objectives show a shift from a production-centric approach to a holistic one. The scheme acknowledges that growing a crop is only half the battle; ensuring farmers can store it, get credit, and practice sustainably is equally critical for long-term income stability.

How Does the Scheme Work? (The Aspirational District Model)

PMDDKY replicates the successful "3C" model of the Aspirational Districts Programme: Convergence, Collaboration, and Competition.

District Selection

The scheme uses a targeted, data-driven approach to identify districts.

• Indicators for Selection: Districts are selected based on three key indicators of agricultural backwardness:
1. Low agricultural productivity.
2. Low cropping intensity.
3. Low credit disbursement to the farm sector.
• Geographic Coverage: The scheme ensures inclusive coverage by selecting at least one district from every state and Union Territory.

The Convergence Model

Instead of creating a new, standalone program, PMDDKY converges 36 existing central schemes from 11 different ministries, including flagship programs like PM-KISAN (income support) and PM Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance). This approach ensures:

• Efficient use of resources by avoiding duplication.
• A holistic and unified approach where different government schemes work in synergy rather than in silos.

Planning and Governance Structure

The scheme follows a decentralized, "bottom-up" planning process.

• District Level: The District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti, chaired by the District Collector, will create a District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan, with technical support from agricultural universities
• State and National Level: State and National level committees will oversee implementation, with NITI Aayog providing overall guidance, capacity building, and regular reviews.

Monitoring

Progress will be monitored monthly against 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) using a dedicated digital dashboard. 

Central Nodal Officers will conduct regular field visits to ensure on-ground effectiveness.

Expected Outcomes

Higher Productivity: Significant improvement in agricultural output and value addition.

Self-Reliance: Enhanced domestic production will boost India's self-reliance in food, aligning with the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" vision.

Rural Employment: Creation of local livelihoods in areas like food processing, storage, and transport.

Stable Farmer Incomes: Diversified cropping patterns and better market linkages will lead to more stable and predictable incomes for farmers.

Minimized Crop Losses: Improved post-harvest systems will drastically reduce wastage.

Improved Financial Inclusion: Making credit more accessible to farmers.

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana to boost farmer income by promoting crop diversification, integrating modern technology, and strengthening farm-to-market linkages, shifting agriculture from production to income focus.

Source: NEWSONAIR