Govt. merges 36 schemes to float farm plan

Context : Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)

• Announced in Union Budget 2025–26.
• Approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2025.
• Aims to enhance agricultural productivity and promote sustainable farming practices.
• Scheme will run for 6 years starting from 2025-26, with an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore.
• Expected to benefit 1.7 crore farmers across India.
• Termed as a “first-of-its-kind” agriculture-focused mega scheme.

Relevance : GS 3(Agriculture ) , GS 2(Schemes)

Convergence and Integration

• 36 existing schemes from 11 ministries will be merged into PMDDKY.
• The integration will ensure resource optimization, better coordination, and holistic agricultural development.
• Implementation will involve:
  • Central schemes
  • State government initiatives
  • Local partnerships, including private sector collaborations.

Target Areas

• Initially focused on 100 districts identified using:
  • Low agricultural productivity
  • Low cropping intensity
  • Low credit disbursement
• Criticism:
  • Experts argue that credit disbursement is not the best indicator for district selection.
  • Annual net agricultural income per hectare recommended as a better metric.

Key Components & Interventions

1. Post-Harvest Infrastructure
   1. Creation of storage facilities at the panchayat and block levels.
   2. Aim: Reduce crop wastage and enable better price realization for farmers.
2. Improved Irrigation
   1. Focus on expanding and modernizing irrigation systems.
   2. Promotes water-use efficiency and reduces dependence on rainfall.
3. Access to Credit
   1. Facilitation of both short-term and long-term institutional credit.
   2. Aims to reduce dependence on informal lenders.
4. Sustainable Agriculture Promotion
   1. Encourages:
      1. Natural farming
      2. Organic farming
      3. Conservation of soil health and water
   2. Part of a larger push towards resilient and eco-friendly agriculture.
5. Crop Diversification
   1. Shift from mono-cropping to diverse cropping systems.
   2. Enhances resilience to climate and market shocks.
6. Promotion of Allied Activities
   1. Support for:
      1. Animal husbandry
      2. Fisheries
      3. Beekeeping
      4. Horticulture
   2. Boosts income diversification for farmers.
7. Value Addition and Livelihoods
   1. Encourages local processing, branding, and market linkages.
   2. Will promote local employment and entrepreneurship.

Institutional Mechanism

• District-level Committees:
  • District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti will finalize the District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan.
  • Members will include progressive farmers, officials, and stakeholders.
• State and National Level Committees:
  • Ensure planning, fund utilization, and policy alignment.
  • Monthly monitoring for outcome-based evaluation.

Conclusion

• PMDDKY represents a strategic consolidation of India’s fragmented agricultural schemes.
• If implemented effectively, it can:
  • Improve sustainability
  • Foster innovation
  • Support inclusive rural development
• However, its success will hinge on effective implementation, accurate district targeting, and robust monitoring mechanisms.