The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana on July 16, 2025. Originally announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, this flagship initiative is the first of its kind to focus exclusively on transforming underperforming agricultural districts into high-productivity hubs.
1. Core Objectives
- Goal: To enhance agricultural productivity and the adoption of sustainable practices in lagging regions.
- Duration: 6 years (FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31).
- Target: 100 districts across all States and Union Territories.
- Beneficiaries: Estimated 1.7 crore farmers, with a focus on small and marginal holders.
2. Selection Criteria: The “Low-Three” Rule
Districts are selected based on three data-driven indicators to address regional imbalances:
- Low Agricultural Productivity: Yields significantly below state or national averages.
- Low Cropping Intensity: Areas where land is underutilised (e.g., single-crop cycles).
- Low Credit Disbursement: Regions with limited access to institutional finance or Kisan Credit Cards (KCC).
Fact: At least one district is guaranteed for every State and UT to ensure balanced national growth.
3. The Convergence Model (36-11-State)
The scheme acts as an “umbrella” to streamline fragmented efforts:
- Convergence: Merges 36 existing central schemes (like PM-KISAN, PMKSY, and RKVY).
- Multi-Departmental: Spans 11 Union Departments (including Water Resources, Rural Development, and Food Processing).
- Partnerships: Integrates State government schemes and Private Sector collaborations (PPP).
4. Implementation Framework
Inspired by NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme (ADP), the scheme follows a three-tier institutional mechanism:
- National Level: Oversight by a National Steering Committee.
- State Level: State Nodal Committees for coordination.
- District Level: District Dhan Dhaanya Samitis (DDS), led by the District Collector and including “progressive farmers,” will draft a customised District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan.
5. Monitoring & Accountability
- KPIs: Progress is tracked via 117 Key Performance Indicators on a real-time digital dashboard.
- Nodal Officers: A Central Nodal Officer (CNO) is appointed for each of the 100 districts.
- Review: Monthly evaluations by NITI Aayog to provide technical guidance and feedback.
6. Expected Outcomes
- Self-Reliance: Contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat by reducing import dependency on oilseeds and pulses.
- Livelihood: Creating local employment in dairy, fisheries, and food processing to reduce distress migration.
- Environment: Wide-scale expansion of Natural and Organic Farming and better soil-health conservation.