New Scheme to Boost Agri Productivity in 100 Districts
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet today approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, a transformative initiative designed to bolster agricultural and allied sectors across 100 districts over a six-year period commencing in 2025-26. Drawing inspiration from the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme, this pioneering scheme is the first to focus exclusively on agriculture and allied activities, aiming to catalyse comprehensive development in these regions.
The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana seeks to elevate agricultural productivity, promote the adoption of crop diversification, and encourage sustainable farming practices. It also aims to enhance post-harvest storage infrastructure at the panchayat and block levels, improve irrigation facilities, and ensure the availability of both long-term and short-term credit for farmers. This initiative aligns with the Budget announcement for 2025-26, which outlined the development of 100 districts under this scheme. Implementation will occur through the convergence of 36 existing schemes across 11 departments, complemented by state-level schemes and strategic partnerships with the private sector to maximise impact.
The selection of the 100 districts will be determined by three critical indicators: low agricultural productivity, low cropping intensity, and limited credit disbursement. The allocation of districts across states and Union Territories will be proportional to their share of Net Cropped Area and operational holdings, with a minimum of one district selected from each state to ensure nationwide representation.
To ensure effective planning, execution, and oversight, committees will be established at the district, state, and national levels. A District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan will be crafted by the District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti, which will include progressive farmers as key stakeholders. These district plans will align with national objectives, including crop diversification, water and soil conservation, self-sufficiency in agriculture and allied sectors, and the promotion of natural and organic farming practices. The scheme’s progress in each Dhan-Dhaanya district will be rigorously monitored through a dashboard tracking 117 key performance indicators on a monthly basis. NITI Aayog will provide ongoing guidance and review of district plans, while Central Nodal Officers appointed for each district will conduct regular assessments to ensure consistent progress.
As the targeted outcomes in these 100 districts improve, the national averages for key performance indicators are expected to rise significantly. The scheme is poised to deliver higher agricultural productivity, enhanced value addition in agriculture and allied sectors, and the creation of local livelihood opportunities, thereby contributing to increased domestic production and the realisation of self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. As the performance indicators of these 100 districts advance, the national agricultural metrics will reflect a corresponding upward trajectory, fostering sustainable growth and development across the country.
– global bihari bureau
