The Union Cabinet on July 16, 2025, approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, aimed at fast-tracking development in agriculture and allied sectors in 100 low-productivity districts, with an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore over a period of six years.
Announced in the Union Budget for FY26, the scheme is the first of its kind focusing exclusively on agriculture and allied activities, inspired by the NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme.
The programme will cover 100 districts identified based on low productivity, low cropping intensity, and lower credit disbursement. At least one district from each state/UT will be included, selected in proportion to the net cropped area and operational holdings.
Key highlights of the scheme:
Converges 36 existing schemes across 11 departments, state schemes, and private sector participation.
Focus on crop diversification, sustainable practices, and expansion of natural and organic farming.
Augmentation of post-harvest storage, irrigation, and availability of long and short-term credit.
District-level plans aligned with national goals, monitored on 117 performance indicators monthly.
Committees at national, state, and district levels, including progressive farmers, will oversee planning and implementation.
Targeted to benefit about 1.7 crore farmers and foster Atmanirbhar Bharat by improving productivity, creating livelihoods, and boosting domestic production.
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, in its release, stated that NITI Aayog will periodically review district plans and guide implementation. Central Nodal Officers will regularly monitor progress.
I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the initiative will “augment post-harvest storage, improve irrigation facilities, and enhance farm productivity,” ensuring a significant boost to the agriculture sector’s sustainability and self-reliance.
