PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana 2025 aims to reform agriculture in 100 low-performing districts by merging 36 central schemes under a ₹24,000 crore annual budget. Know key features, selection criteria, benefits, and exam-relevant details.
PM Dhan‑Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: Transforming Agriculture Through Convergence
In a landmark move on 16 July 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the Prime Minister Dhan‑Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), a flagship programme designed to rejuvenate agriculture in 100 identified districts across India Active for six years starting FY 2025–26, the scheme comes with an annual budget of ₹24,000 crore
Scheme Overview: A One‑Stop Framework
PMDDKY is a convergence platform, subsuming 36 existing central schemes administered by 11 ministries, including those focused on irrigation, credit access, post-harvest infrastructure, and allied sectors like livestock and fisheries Instead of launching new schemes, it consolidates efforts under district-specific plans guided by District Dhan-Dhaanya Samitis, headed by District Collectors and supported by agricultural universities and NITI Aayog
District Selection & Plan Mechanism
The target districts are selected based on three core criteria:
- Low productivity
- Low cropping intensity
- Below-average credit disbursement
Each state will have at least one district included, with district shares reflecting net cropped area District-level plans will be built through local consultations and aligned with national goals including crop diversification, soil & water conservation, organic farming, and irrigation expansion
Governance & Monitoring Framework
Implementation will be supported by:
- 117 KPIs across infrastructure, productivity, credit, and allied sectors.
- A real-time digital dashboard for monthly performance reviews.
- Central Nodal Officers (CNOs) deployed in each district for oversight.
- Multilevel committees at district, state, and national tiers
- NITI Aayog guiding capacity building, data analytics, and monitoring mechanisms
Anticipated Benefits
The scheme aims to directly impact 1.7 crore farmers, addressing persistent rural inequities. Key outcomes include:
- Enhanced agricultural productivity.
- Strengthened credit flow and financial inclusion.
- Reduced post-harvest crop losses via improved storage.
- Promotion of allied farming and value-added production.
- Localized employment generation through targeted initiatives
Why This News Matters for Government Exam Aspirants
Strategic Importance in Prelims & Mains
This scheme highlights four key concepts: policy convergence, decentralised planning, data‑driven governance, and agrarian reform. Each is directly relevant for UPSC GS Pumps 2 & 3, SSC, RRB, and other state exams.
Alignment with Broader Goals
By streamlining 36 programmes into one mechanism, PMDDKY embodies the 3 Cs principle—Convergence, Collaboration, Competition—mirroring the Aspirational Districts approach It reinforces India’s agenda of doubling farmers’ income, self-reliance, and addressing food security challenges.
Critical Analytical Angle
Exam candidates should critically evaluate its potential for real-world impact versus implementation bottlenecks, thus enhancing analytical answers in Mains essays or GS3 agriculture questions.
Historical Context: Built on Aspirational District Success
The model draws directly from the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) launched in 2018, which aimed at fast-tracking development in the 112 most under-developed districts through delta-based performance tracking of 49 indicatorsADP’s “data-driven, competitive, and convergence-oriented” approach has influenced PMDDKY’s structure—with selection of low-performing districts, benchmark indicators, and monthly performance reviews. This transition signals a shift from poverty-alleviation to agrarian transformation, continuing the legacy of mission-mode governance.
Key Takeaways from PM Dhan‑Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Scope & Tenure: ₹24,000 crore annually from FY 2025–26 for 6 years, focusing on 100 districts |
| 2 | Convergence: Integrates 36 schemes from 11 ministries for coordinated agricultural intervention |
| 3 | Selection Criteria: Districts chosen based on low productivity, cropping intensity, and farm credit |
| 4 | Governance: District-level planning via samitis, monitored through 117 KPIs and a digital dashboard |
| 5 | Beneficiaries & Impact: Aims to benefit 1.7 crore farmers by boosting productivity, storage, credit, and allied-sector value chains |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the full form of PMDDKY?
Ans: PMDDKY stands for Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana.
2. How many central government schemes are being merged under PMDDKY?
Ans: A total of 36 existing central schemes are being merged.
3. How many districts will benefit from PMDDKY?
Ans: 100 districts identified across the country.
4. What is the annual budget allocated for PMDDKY?
Ans: ₹24,000 crore per year.
5. What is the total duration of PMDDKY?
Ans: The scheme will run for 6 years starting from FY 2025–26.
6. What are the three major selection criteria for districts under PMDDKY?
Ans: Low productivity, low cropping intensity, and below-average credit disbursement.
7. Which agencies or entities will support district-level planning under this scheme?
Ans: District Dhan-Dhaanya Samitis, supported by agricultural universities, KVKs, and NITI Aayog.
8. How will performance be tracked in the PMDDKY scheme?
Ans: Using 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and a real-time digital dashboard.
9. Which ministries are involved in PMDDKY?
Ans: 11 central ministries, including Agriculture, Jal Shakti, Rural Development, and Animal Husbandry.
10. How many farmers are expected to benefit directly from this scheme?
Ans: Around 1.7 crore farmers across selected districts.
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