Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY): A New Chapter in India’s Agriculture Sector
“Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)” is an ambitious initiative of the Government of India, approved on 16th July 2025 during the Union Budget 2025-26. The scheme focuses on 100 agricultural districts of the country that are underperforming in production, crop diversification, and credit disbursement. Its main objective is to improve agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification, provide better irrigation facilities, and easy agricultural credit. The scheme will run for 6 years, with an investment of ₹24,000 crore per year, and is expected to benefit around 1.7 crore farmers. This article discusses in detail the various aspects of the scheme, its implementation, expected outcomes, and other complementary schemes like 
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) and ‘UP-AGRIS’.
PMDDKY: An Introduction
The Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) presents a comprehensive and integrated approach to sustainable development in India's agriculture sector and improving farmers' livelihoods. The scheme is inspired by the NITI Aayog's 'Aspirational Districts Programme', which seeks to bring the country's most underperforming districts into the mainstream of development. PMDDKY creates a coordinated agricultural support system by integrating 36 schemes of 11 central ministries. It aims to not only increase agricultural productivity but also strengthen allied sectors such as livestock, dairy, and fisheries.
Key Objectives of the Scheme
1. Increase in agricultural productivity - To increase crop production per hectare in low-productivity districts.
2. Crop diversification - To reduce dependence on single crop and promote a variety of crops.
3. Improved irrigation facilities - To conserve water and adopt modern irrigation techniques.
4. Easy credit disbursal - To ensure easy access to financial resources to farmers.
5. Sustainable Agricultural Practices - Promoting natural and organic farming.
6. Integration of Livestock and Fisheries - Incentives to allied sectors to boost local livelihoods.
Selection of Districts - Criteria and Process
The 100 districts have been selected under PMDDKY based on the following criteria
- Low Agricultural Productivity - Low production per hectare.
- Low Cropping Intensity - Low number of crop cycles per year or lack of crop diversity.
- Limited Credit Disbursement - Lack of agricultural credit and financial resources.
- State Representation - At least one district from each State and Union Territory will be included, to ensure balanced regional development.
The selection process also takes into account the share of net cropped area and operational holdings. This ensures that the benefits of the scheme reach all regions of the country.
Implementation and Monitoring Mechanism
The implementation of PMDDKY will be done through a streamlined and transparent system. Its key elements are as follows
1. District Dhan Dhanya Committee
A District Dhan Dhanya Committee will be formed in each district, comprising progressive farmers, local experts, and government officials. This committee will prepare plans based on the specific needs of the district, which will be in line with the national goals such as crop diversification, water conservation, and self-sufficiency.
2. Monitoring and Evaluation
- 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been set to monitor the progress of the scheme.
- Monthly review will be done through a dedicated “dashboard”.
- Central nodal officers will be appointed in each district, who will ensure smooth implementation of the scheme.
- NITI Aayog will provide regular guidance and review.
3. Committees at different levels
Committees will be formed at the district, state, and national levels, which will play a key role in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the scheme. These committees will ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach the targeted farmers.
Expected Outcomes
Several key outcomes are expected under PMDDKY:
- Benefits to 1.7 crore farmers - The scheme will directly benefit 1.7 crore farmers in low-performing districts across the country.
- Development of allied sectors - Local livelihoods will be strengthened by promoting sectors such as livestock, dairy, and fisheries.
- Improved storage and irrigation - Post-harvest storage facilities and modern irrigation techniques will be promoted.
- Natural and organic farming - Environmental protection and long-term productivity will be ensured by adopting sustainable agricultural practices.
- Improvement in rural economy - The scheme will accelerate economic development in rural areas.
Preparation for PMDDKY in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh, which is a major agricultural state of India, has started extensive preparations to maximize the benefits of PMDDKY. The state agriculture department has reviewed the regional details and submitted a detailed proposal to the central government. Uttar Pradesh is expected to get a significant share in the allocation under the scheme.
UP-AGRIS Scheme - Complementing PMDDKY
The UP-AGRIS scheme, supported by the World Bank, complements the goals of PMDDKY. The scheme focuses on increasing agricultural productivity, conserving natural resources, and increasing farmers' income, especially in 28 districts of Purvanchal and Bundelkhand. Its key points are as follows
- Women empowerment - 10,000 women producer groups will be linked.
- Farmers training - 500 farmers will be sent abroad for advanced training.
- Regional development - Promoting agricultural development in backward regions like Purvanchal and Bundelkhand.
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