PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana 2025 approved with ₹24,000 crore yearly funding for 100 backward agri districts. Know key features, exam FAQs, MCQs, and historical context for UPSC, SSC, Banking & more.
Prime Minister Dhan‑Dhaanya Krishi Yojana Launched to Revive Agriculture
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Prime Minister Dhan‑Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) on July 16, 2025, marking a six‑year mission starting in FY 2025–26. With an annual allocation of ₹24,000 crore, the scheme targets 100 underperforming districts across India
Multi‑Scheme Convergence for Agricultural Impact
PMDDKY merges 36 existing central schemes across 11 ministries into a unified framework, including state initiatives and private partnerships. It emphasizes holistic agricultural development through a coordinated, mission‑mode approach
District‑Centric Planning
The selection of 100 districts is based on low agricultural productivity, cropping intensity, and credit availability. At least one district from every state and union territory will be covered Local-level District Dhan Dhaanya Committees, involving progressive farmers and officials, will create tailored agriculture plans aligned with national priorities: crop diversification, organic farming, soil conservation, irrigation, and credit access
Infrastructure and Farmer Support
Implementation will boost post‑harvest storage at the panchayat and block levels, expand irrigation networks, and ensure timely access to short‑term and long‑term credit. The scheme aims to benefit around 1.7 crore small and marginal farmers
Monitoring and Accountability
To track progress, a digital dashboard will monitor 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) monthly. Oversight will be done through committees at district, state, and national levels, supported by Central Nodal Officers and guidance from NITI Aayog
Alignment with Aspirational District Programme
Modeled on NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme, PMDDKY adds competitiveness through district ranking, delta‑based growth tracking, and monthly evaluations
Why This News Is Important
Strengthening Rural Livelihoods
By concentrating efforts on 100 low‑yield districts, the scheme addresses structural agricultural weaknesses—such as poor productivity, inadequate irrigation, and limited access to credit. This targeted model will uplift marginalized farmers and improve rural incomes.
Boosting National Food Security
Enhanced post-harvest infrastructure and crop diversification will reduce wastage, increase food availability, and stabilize prices—key aims for national food resilience and economic stability.
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
With emphasis on organic farming, soil conservation, water management, and eco-friendly techniques, the plan advances sustainable agriculture—vital for environmental preservation and climate resilience.
Governance and Accountability in Focus
The three-tiered governance model, digital monitoring, performance indicators, and district ranking bring accountability and efficiency—equipping students with knowledge of modern governance approaches for exams such as PCS, UPSC, and banking.
Preparation for Government Exams
Knowledge of PMDDKY offers insights for exam topics like agricultural policy, rural development, governance structures, and budgetary planning—critical for questions in UPSC GS II/III, State PSCs, and sector-specific positions like banking and railways.
Historical Context
Launched in July 2025, PMDDKY is rooted in the Aspirational District Programme initiated in 2018 to uplift underdeveloped districts through convergence of services. PMDDKY extends this framework specifically to agriculture and allied sectors, signaling a shift from subsidy‑driven aid to a value‑chain based, systemic intervention. With ₹24,000 crore yearly and a six‑year horizon, it’s India’s first major micro-targeted agricultural mission—synthesizing fragmented policies into a cohesive, performance‑driven model. The scheme also supports the government’s goals of doubling farmers’ income and achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat through resilient local economies.
Key Takeaways from PM Dhan‑Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Duration & Budget – ₹24,000 crore annually for six years (FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31) targeting 100 districts |
| 2 | Scheme Convergence – Aligns 36 central initiatives across 11 ministries under one umbrella |
| 3 | District Selection Criteria – Chosen based on low productivity, cropping intensity, and credit flow, with minimum one district per State/UT |
| 4 | Governance & Monitoring – Implementation by District Committees, 117 KPIs tracked monthly via digital dashboard; NITI Aayog oversight |
| 5 | Focus Areas – Emphasis on crop diversification, irrigation, storage, credit access, organic farming, and productivity enhancement |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the duration of the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana?
The scheme will run for six years starting from FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31.
2. How many districts will benefit under this scheme?
A total of 100 low-performing agricultural districts have been selected, covering at least one from each state and union territory.
3. What is the annual budget allocation under PMDDKY?
The Government has allocated ₹24,000 crore per year, making it a ₹1.44 lakh crore mission over six years.
4. What are the key focus areas of the scheme?
The scheme focuses on crop diversification, organic farming, post-harvest infrastructure, credit flow, soil health, and irrigation.
5. Which body will oversee the implementation of the scheme?
Implementation will be monitored through district-level committees, state and national bodies, and supported by NITI Aayog and Central Nodal Officers.
6. What is the main goal of this scheme?
The aim is to transform agriculture in backward districts and boost income for 1.7 crore small and marginal farmers.
7. How will the scheme ensure transparency and accountability?
Through a digital dashboard tracking 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and a performance-based ranking of districts.
8. Is PMDDKY linked to any earlier government programs?
Yes, it’s modeled on the Aspirational District Programme and merges 36 existing schemes from 11 ministries for better convergence.
9. Will private sector or state governments have a role?
Yes, it encourages convergence with state schemes and private initiatives to increase efficiency.
10. Which types of questions can appear in exams from this topic?
Questions can appear under agricultural policy, budget allocation, rural development, government schemes, and economic planning in UPSC, State PSCs, Banking, SSC, and Railway exams.
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