Cabinet Clears Rs 24,000 Crore Annual Agriculture Scheme
The Union Cabinet has approved the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) with an annual budget of Rs 24,000 crore for six years starting from 2025-26. The scheme will target 100 underperforming agricultural districts across the country in a mission-mode implementation plan to boost productivity, income, and rural infrastructure.
Focus on Low-Yield Districts
The selected districts are identified based on key indicators such as low agricultural productivity, low cropping intensity, and inadequate flow of institutional credit. The government has ensured that every state and Union Territory will have at least one beneficiary district, selected based on the extent of cropped area and number of operational land holdings.
Integrated Approach to Boost Agriculture
The scheme brings together 36 ongoing schemes from 11 ministries, aligning them under a single coordinated mission. It aims to improve irrigation systems, promote crop diversification, expand warehousing and storage infrastructure, support allied activities, and enhance access to both short and long-term credit for farmers.
Implementation and Monitoring
A structured governance mechanism will be followed, including the formation of District Dhan-Dhaanya Samitis led by District Collectors. These bodies will prepare locally tailored plans to address specific agricultural challenges. Progress will be monitored through 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), with monthly tracking via a centralized digital dashboard.
Timeline and Expected Impact
Preparatory work for the scheme begins in August 2025, with full-scale implementation expected from the Rabi season in October. Around 1.7 crore farmers are expected to benefit directly from the scheme by the end of the six-year term.
This is the first centrally coordinated agriculture-specific scheme of such magnitude and is modelled on the Aspirational Districts Programme, aiming to uplift lagging regions through focused and measurable development.
