Cabinet Approves Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Agriculture Scheme

General Studies Paper -3

Context

The Union Cabinet approved the “Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana” for a period of six years.

PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

• It is the first dedicated scheme focused on agriculture and allied sectors. It is inspired by the Aspirational Districts Programme of NITI Aayog.
• Total outlay: Rs 24,000 crore per annum
• Resource pool: Convergence of 36 existing schemes from 11 Central Ministries /Departments, along with state schemes and private sector participation.
• Coverage: 100 districts, with at least one from every state/UT.
  • It will be identified on the basis of three key indicators- low productivity , low cropping intensity and low credit disbursement.
• Targeted beneficiaries:7 crore farmers
• Implementation period: 6 years (starting from 2025-26)
• Objectives of the scheme:
  • Enhance agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification and encourage sustainable agricultural practices,
  • Strengthen post-harvest storage at panchayat and block levels,
  • Improve irrigation infrastructure,
  • Provide long-term and short-term credit to farmers.

Implementation of the scheme

• For effective implementation and monitoring of the scheme , committees will be formed at the district, state and national level.
• The District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan (DAAAP) will be finalized by the District Dhan Dhanya Committee.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Progress will be tracked monthly using a dashboard based on 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• NITI Aayog will guide and review district plans.
• Each district has a Central Nodal Officer for periodic review.