Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, recently approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, which is the first-of-its-kind scheme aimed at transforming agriculture and the allied sectors in India. The scheme focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and improving the livelihoods of farmers.

Key Features of the Scheme

Objectives of the Scheme:

The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana aims to:

1. Enhance Agricultural Productivity: Through various targeted interventions to increase crop yields.

2. Promote Crop Diversification: Encouraging farmers to grow a variety of crops, which will improve soil health and mitigate risks associated with monoculture.

3. Support Sustainable Practices: Emphasizing water conservation, soil health management, and the use of organic farming techniques.

4. Improve Post-Harvest Storage: Developing storage infrastructure at the panchayat and block levels to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure a steady supply of produce in the market.

5. Boost Irrigation Facilities: Strengthening irrigation infrastructure to support year-round farming.

6. Credit Accessibility: Facilitating long-term and short-term credit for farmers to improve their productivity and adopt new technologies.

Implementation Strategy:

The scheme will be implemented through a convergence model, integrating 36 existing schemes from 11 departments, state schemes, and partnerships with the private sector. This approach aims to maximize the reach and effectiveness of the initiatives.

• Selection of Districts: 100 districts will be selected based on key indicators such as:

  • Low Productivity

  • Low Cropping Intensity

  • Less Credit Disbursement

• The number of districts chosen from each state/UT will be based on the share of Net Cropped Area and operational holdings, with a minimum of one district per state.

• A District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan will be developed by each district’s Dhan Dhaanya Samiti, with active involvement from progressive farmers.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Performance Indicators: The progress of the scheme will be monitored using 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on a monthly basis, through a dashboard.

• NITI Aayog will regularly review and guide the implementation of the plans.

• Central Nodal Officers will be appointed for each district to ensure effective monitoring.

The ultimate goal is to raise the overall productivity in the identified districts, which will, in turn, improve national agricultural performance.

Conclusion:

The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana has the potential to revolutionize agriculture in India by addressing the challenges of low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, and unsustainable farming practices. The scheme will empower farmers by providing the necessary tools, infrastructure, and financial support, ultimately paving the way for a self-reliant and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.