In a major push to strengthen rural livelihoods and modernize Indian agriculture, the Central Government has introduced the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) for the financial year 2025–26. This ambitious initiative aims to uplift farmers in 100 backward and low-productivity districts across India by enhancing crop yield, ensuring sustainable farming practices, and increasing overall income levels.

A Six-Year Plan for Rural Transformation

The PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana will run for six years with an annual budget allocation of ₹24,000 crore. The scheme is being implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, integrating 36 different programs from 11 ministries into a unified framework. This convergence model is expected to improve efficiency, coordination, and delivery of agricultural support services at the grassroots level.

Objectives: Productivity, Sustainability, and Prosperity

The core objectives of the scheme include:

• Increasing agricultural productivity by 20–30% through modern farming techniques.

• Promoting crop diversification based on market demand.

• Improving irrigation facilities to ensure optimal water usage.

• Providing digital agricultural credit at affordable rates.

• Encouraging organic and sustainable farming practices.

To achieve these goals, farmers will receive free mini seed kits of high-quality pulses and other essential crops. Additionally, the government plans to establish thousands of food and agri-processing units across targeted districts, each eligible for a subsidy of up to ₹25 lakh. Over the next five years (2025–31), the government aims to distribute 1.26 crore quintals of certified seeds among farmers.

Empowering Marginal, Women, and SC/ST Farmers

The scheme primarily focuses on farmers in areas with low productivity, limited irrigation, and inadequate access to financial services. Beneficiaries include small and marginal farmers, women farmers, members of SC/ST communities, livestock owners, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

By introducing a digital implementation system, the government aims to enhance transparency, track progress efficiently, and monitor outcomes in real time. Each participating district will have data-driven insights to evaluate agricultural performance and make timely improvements.

Committees for Localized Implementation

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the scheme will be executed through state-level and district-level committees, headed by respective district collectors. These committees will design localized agricultural policies based on the unique needs of each region. Progress will be evaluated using 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure accountability and measurable outcomes.

Complementing PM-Kisan and Expanding Benefits

Currently, under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme, nearly 9.7 crore farmers receive annual financial support of ₹6,000. The Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana extends benefits to farmers who were previously left out of such welfare programs. By addressing productivity gaps and supporting value chain development, the new scheme will help boost farmers’ earnings, improve food grain self-sufficiency, and reduce regional agricultural disparities.

A Milestone in Rural and Agricultural Development

The PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana marks a transformative step toward rural prosperity and farmer welfare. By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, it reflects the government’s broader vision of creating a self-reliant agricultural economy.

Officials believe that this integrated approach will not only enhance farmers’ income but also revitalize India’s rural economy, paving the way for a more resilient, productive, and technology-driven agricultural sector.

With its combination of financial aid, modern technology, and localized planning, the PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana is poised to redefine how India supports its farmers—empowering them to move from subsistence to success.