Daily News Analysis

Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

stylish_lining

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.


 

Critical Minerals

India’s first auction of deep-sea blocks for the extraction of critical minerals has been delayed indefinitely after receiving a poor response from bidders. This auction was expected to be a
Share It

President's Rule

The extension of President’s Rule in Manipur has brought to the fore the historical and controversial use of Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, shedding light on how its imposition disr
Share It

Beggars' Homes in India

In M.S. Patter v. State of NCT of Delhi, the Supreme Court (SC) held that state-run beggars’ homes are not merely penal institutions or charitable endeavors but are instead constitutional tr
Share It

Public Distribution System (PDS)

India's Public Distribution System (PDS) has long been a cornerstone of food security, ensuring access to subsidised cereals for millions of people. However, a recent Crisil study using the &l
Share It

Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA)

The recent Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) represents a major shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and South Asia, with significant implications for Indi
Share It

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement is facing significant challenges in adapting its controls to the rapid growth of cloud technology. This issue highlights the need to update its control lists and enforcem
Share It

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2023 highlights a 9.2% increase in crimes against children in India, with 177,335 cases registered in total. This reflects a concerning rise in
Share It

Doctrine of Contributory Negligence

The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently made an important ruling regarding the doctrine of contributory negligence in criminal law. The court clarified that contributory negligence does not apply t
Share It

Perpetual Bonds

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) recently raised ₹453 crore at an interest rate of 7.70% per annum through its second issue of Perpetual Bonds. This move is part of the
Share It

Fake News

The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology in India has recently proposed several measures aimed at tackling the pervasive issue of fake news and misinformation, acknowled
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS