The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), approved by the Union Cabinet in 2025, is a flagship initiative aimed at transforming 100 agricultural districts through the convergence of 36 schemes across 11 ministries. With an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore over six years, PMDDKY seeks to enhance productivity, sustainability, and self–reliance in agriculture and allied sectors.

Focus on Agriculture and Allied Activities:

The scheme’s design ensures exclusive attention to agriculture through:

• District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plans:
  • Prepared by the District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti headed by the Collector, with participation from progressive farmers, these plans tailor interventions to local agro-climatic conditions and cropping patterns.
• Five Core Objectives:
  • Enhancing agricultural productivity
  • Promoting crop diversification and sustainable practices
  • Augmenting post–harvest storage infrastructure
  • Improving irrigation facilities
  • Facilitating access to long- and short–term agricultural credit
• Alignment with National Priorities:
  • Plans are integrated with broader goals such as natural and organic farming, water and soil conservation, and self-sufficiency in agri-industries.

Governance and Institutional Framework

• Multi-tiered Committees: Implementation is overseen by committees at the district, state, and national levels, ensuring decentralized planning and accountability.
• Central Nodal Officers (CNOs): Appointed to conduct field visits, reviews, and monitoring, ensuring real-time feedback and course correction.
• Technical Knowledge Partners: Each district is supported by agricultural universities, enhancing scientific rigor and contextual relevance.
• Inspired by Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP): PMDDKY adopts the ADP’s successful 3Cs model:
  • Convergence of schemes
  • Collaboration among stakeholders
  • Competition via performance-based rankings
• Performance Monitoring:
  • Monthly tracking using 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • A dedicated dashboard/portal for transparency and data-driven governance
  • NITI Aayog provides strategic guidance and capacity building

PMDDKY represents a paradigm shift in agricultural governance by integrating planning, technology, and institutional collaboration. Its emphasis on district-level customization, convergence of schemes, and performance-based incentives is likely to enhance productivity, generate rural livelihoods, and contribute to Atmanirbhar Bharat through agricultural self–reliance.