Context:
The Union Cabinet has approved the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana—an ambitious agricultural development programme with an annual budget of ?24,000 crore for six years (2025–2031). The initiative aims to revitalize farming in 100 low-performing districts.

Overview

• Announced in: Union Budget 2025–26 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
• Coordinating Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
• Strategic Oversight: NITI Aayog

Goals

1. Boost Crop Yields: Bridge productivity gaps using science and technology.
2. Promote Crop Diversification: Shift towards high-value, climate-resilient crops.
3. Enhance Infrastructure: Develop cold storage and logistics at the block/panchayat level.
4. Expand Irrigation: Repair and extend irrigation systems to improve water efficiency.
5. Improve Credit Access: Ensure timely institutional credit for farmers.

Key Features

• Convergence Model: Unifies 36 central schemes across 11 ministries (e.g., PMKSY, PMFBY, RKVY).
• District-Level Planning: “District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti” (led by District Collector with local farmers) to prepare integrated agriculture plans.
• Performance Tracking: 117 KPIs monitored monthly through a national dashboard.
• Field Oversight: Central Nodal Officers (CNOs) appointed for each district.
• Institutional Support: Collaboration with agricultural universities and technical bodies.

District Selection Criteria

• Eligibility Based On:
  • Low productivity
  • Moderate cropping intensity
  • Low agricultural credit flow
• Representation: At least one district per state/UT.
• Fund Allocation: Proportional to net sown area and number of operational holdings.

Source: PIB