In a major step towards empowering India's farmers and modernizing rural agriculture, the Central Government has launched the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) for the financial year 2025-26. This ambitious scheme, with a budget of Rs 24,000 crore, aims to uplift farmers in 100 backward and low-productivity districts across India.

The scheme is set to provide a significant boost to agriculture productivity, income levels, and sustainable farming practices, ensuring that the benefits of modern agricultural practices reach even the most underserved regions. Here’s everything you need to know about the PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana:

1. What is the PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana?

The PMDDKY is a multi-faceted initiative aimed at modernizing indian agriculture and improving the livelihoods of farmers, especially in the backward districts. The scheme focuses on:

· Increasing crop productivity

· Adopting sustainable farming practices

· Promoting diversification and technology integration

· Ensuring better income for farmers

With a total outlay of Rs 24,000 crore, the scheme aims to address the challenges faced by farmers in regions where agriculture productivity remains low due to outdated methods and lack of access to modern agricultural technology.

2. Key Objectives of PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana

The primary objectives of the PMDDKY are to:

· Enhance Agricultural Yield: Introducing modern farming techniques, including precision farming, soil health management, and high-yielding crop varieties.

· Promote Sustainable Practices: Encouraging farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices such as organic farming, water conservation, and rainwater harvesting.

· Boost Income Levels: Aiming for an increase in farmers' income by raising crop yields and introducing alternative sources of income through agri-based enterprises like horticulture, fisheries, and animal husbandry.

· Improve Infrastructure: Enhancing rural infrastructure, including irrigation facilities, warehouses, and cold storage for better post-harvest management.

3. Target Areas: Focus on 100 Backward Districts

The scheme will be implemented across 100 districts in india that are characterized by low agricultural productivity, limited access to modern farming technologies, and poor rural infrastructure. These districts, which are often economically backward, will receive targeted assistance to boost agricultural productivity and ensure economic empowerment for farmers.

4. How Will the Scheme Benefit Farmers?

Farmers in the targeted districts will benefit in the following ways:

· Subsidies on Advanced Agricultural Inputs: The government will provide subsidies for purchasing modern agricultural tools and equipment, including smart irrigation systems, drip irrigation, and drones for crop monitoring.

· Training & Skill Development: Farmers will receive training on the use of high-tech agricultural practices, pest management, and soil health management. The government plans to set up agriculture extension services to guide farmers in adopting the latest farming technologies.

· Financial Support: The scheme will offer financial assistance and credit facilities to farmers, along with interest subsidies on loans for purchasing farm equipment and investing in agriculture-based businesses.

· Market Linkages: To ensure that farmers get the right price for their produce, the government plans to strengthen market linkages by establishing more mandis (marketplaces), connecting farmers with e-commerce platforms, and ensuring fair pricing.

5. How Will technology Be Integrated?

The PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana places a strong emphasis on the use of technology to modernize agriculture:

· Drone Technology: Drones will be used for crop surveillance, irrigation management, and pesticide spraying, helping to reduce the dependency on manual labor and improving the efficiency of farming practices.

· Data Analytics: The scheme will employ big data analytics to monitor weather patterns, optimize crop rotation, and forecast pest invasions, allowing farmers to make more informed decisions.

· Digital Platforms: A dedicated mobile app will be launched to help farmers track their crops, receive updates on weather, and connect with buyers and sellers.

6. Implementation Mechanism

The scheme will be implemented through a centralized framework, with the Ministry of Agriculture overseeing its rollout. The government will collaborate with state governments, agriculture universities, and private sector players to ensure effective delivery of the scheme’s benefits. The focus will be on:

· Targeted Outreach: Ensuring that farmers in the most backward districts receive the necessary resources, education, and training to transition to more modern farming techniques.

· Continuous Monitoring: Real-time monitoring and regular assessments will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the scheme and make adjustments as needed.

· Partnerships with Agri-Tech Companies: The government will partner with agri-tech startups and technology providers to offer farmers access to the latest in farm machinery, precision agriculture tools, and other technological advancements.

7. The Role of State Governments and local Bodies

State governments and local administrative bodies will play a crucial role in the scheme's successful implementation. Responsibilities include:

· Disseminating Information: Ensuring that farmers are aware of the scheme and understand how to access the benefits.

· Providing Training: Collaborating with agricultural experts and institutions to offer on-ground training to farmers.

· Implementing Infrastructure Projects: Upgrading local infrastructure, such as irrigation systems, cold storage facilities, and processing units, to support sustainable farming.

8. Impact on Rural Employment

The PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana is not only aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity but also at creating rural employment opportunities. By diversifying income sources and introducing value-added farming, the scheme will generate jobs in:

· Agri-businesses: Encouraging farmers to start small agri-businesses like dairying, beekeeping, and food processing.

· Rural Infrastructure: local infrastructure projects will create jobs for rural youth, especially in the construction and maintenance of irrigation systems, roads, and warehouses.

9. Expected Outcomes

· Improved Farmers’ Income: The main goal is to raise farmers' income by increasing agricultural output and reducing input costs.

· Sustainable Farming: A focus on sustainability will ensure that farmers can continue to thrive in the long term without harming the environment.

· Better Rural Infrastructure: Enhanced infrastructure will support not just agriculture but also the broader rural economy, improving access to education, healthcare, and market facilities.

Conclusion
The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana is an ambitious and timely initiative aimed at revitalizing agriculture in India’s most backward districts. With a focus on modernization, sustainability, and increased farmer income, this Rs 24,000 crore scheme promises to bring long-term benefits for farmers in need. By incorporating technology, improving infrastructure, and providing targeted financial support, PMDDKY has the potential to uplift the lives of millions of farmers across india, making agriculture a more profitable and sustainable venture.

Disclaimer:

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