The Union Cabinet has approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), a six-year flagship programme beginning FY 2025–26, to transform 100 low-productivity agricultural districts across India.

Simultaneously, a Mission for Self-Reliance in Pulses (Pulses Mission) will also be launched alongside PMDDKY. These twin initiatives aim to enhance farm productivity, promote diversification (especially into pulses), improve post-harvest infrastructure, and ensure remunerative prices for farmers.

Budget Allocation & Financials

• The PMDDKY has a proposed annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore over six years.
• For the Pulses Mission component, ₹1,000 crore has been earmarked in the 2025–26 budget.
• Other related allocations include: ₹500 crore for Vegetables & Fruits Mission, ₹100 crore for the Makhana Board, ₹100 crore for hybrid seeds, and ₹500 crore for Cotton Technology Mission.
• While PMDDKY is a new umbrella scheme, much of its funding will come through convergence of 36 existing schemes across 11 Ministries, rather than standalone fresh allocations.

Implementation Design & Oversight

• PMDDKY will be implemented over six years (2025–26 onward) in 100 districts, selected based on three criteria: low productivity, moderate cropping intensity, and below-average credit uptake.
• District Agriculture & Allied Activities Plans will be prepared by a District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti, chaired by the District Collector, with progressive farmers and departmental officers as members.
• Convergence will integrate 36 schemes from 11 central ministries, state schemes, and private sector partnerships.
• Monitoring & Evaluation:
  • Progress will be tracked via 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), with a digital dashboard and monthly reports.
  • National, State, and District-level committees will oversee planning and performance.
  • NITI Aayog will assist and review district plans and alignment with national goals.
    

Saturation-Based Coverage & Criteria

• The scheme follows a saturation-based convergence approach, ensuring that all farmers and agricultural blocks in selected districts are covered through harmonised delivery of schemes.
• Districts are selected so that every state/UT gets at least one district, and the total count is apportioned based on net cropped area and operational holdings.
• The Pulses Mission under PMDDKY aims to achieve self-reliance in pulses by supporting major crops like tur, urad, and masoor, ensuring that 100% of registered farmers’ produce is procured at MSP.
  

Progress Tracking & Accountability

• Implementation will be transparent via digital dashboards, farmer apps, and district ranking systems.
• Central nodal officers for each district will regularly review performance.
• NITI Aayog and oversight committees will provide feedback, facilitate course corrections, and ensure policy alignment.
• The identified districts are expected to raise national averages in productivity, credit flow, and value-chain integration.
  

MCQ

Q. Consider the following statements about the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and Pulses Mission:

1. The scheme will run for six years with an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore.
2. 100 districts will be selected based on low productivity, high cropping intensity, and high credit uptake.
3. The scheme will converge 36 existing schemes across multiple ministries.
4. The Pulses Mission component ensures that all farmers’ produce will be procured at MSP.

Which of the statements are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b)

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