WHAT?

The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) is a newly approved six-year agricultural program (starting FY 2025-26) that converges 36 existing central schemes across 11 departments, along with state schemes, to enhance productivity and sustainability in 100 low-performing districts across India. 

The PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana to strengthen small and marginal farmers. Its focus is on storage, irrigation, affordable loans, and sustainable farming. The government claims that this will increase farmers' income and bring significant improvements to the country's agricultural production capacity. 

With an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore, it focuses on districts with low productivity, cropping intensity, and credit access, aiming for self-sufficiency in key crops like foodgrains, pulses, and edible oils. 

The scheme is expected to directly benefit around 1.7 crore farmers by addressing key challenges through targeted interventions, district-level planning, and monitoring via 117 performance indicators. 

Main Objectives

1. Implementation of technology-driven solutions to increase productivity.
2. Providing financial assistance to marginal and small farmers.
3. Ensuring profitable and sustainable farming practices.
4. Encouraging sustainable practices based on crop diversification along with changes in climate patterns.
5. Preventing wastage and improving storage, warehouses, and logistics facilities at block and panchayat levels.
6. Increasing irrigation facilities to improve crop intensity and yield stability.
7. Enhancing post-harvest storage capacity (at village and block levels).
8. Improving irrigation systems.
9. Providing cheap and easy agricultural loans to farmers.
10. Promoting crop diversification and encouraging modern farming.
11. Emphasis on natural and sustainable farming practices.
12. This scheme will increase both productivity and income of farmers.
13. Small districts will also be made self-reliant and strong like big cities.
14. New opportunities for employment and value addition in agriculture and allied sectors will open.

Benefits

1. Enhanced Agricultural Productivity : Farmers in selected districts will gain from improved irrigation facilities, better access to short- and long-term credit, and adoption of advanced farming practices, leading to higher yields and reduced production risks. This is modeled after the Aspirational Districts Programme, with local partnerships involving cooperatives, agricultural universities, and private sectors to boost output in underperforming areas. 
2. Promotion of Crop Diversification : The scheme encourages shifting from over-reliant crops to diversified options, reducing vulnerability to market fluctuations and climate risks while potentially increasing income through higher-value produce. This aligns with national goals for self-sufficiency in pulses and edible oils, helping farmers adapt to changing demands. 
3. Sustainable and Organic Farming Practices :  Expansion of natural and organic farming, along with soil and water conservation measures, will help farmers build resilient systems, lower input costs over time, and access premium markets for eco-friendly products. This promotes long-term soil health and reduces environmental degradation. 
4. Improved Post-Harvest Infrastructure : Strengthening storage at panchayat and block levels will minimize crop losses (currently up to 20-30% in some cases), allowing farmers to store produce longer and sell at better prices during off-seasons. 
5. Value Addition and Livelihood Opportunities :  By focusing on value addition in agriculture and allied sectors (e.g., processing and marketing), farmers can earn more from their produce, create local jobs, and contribute to rural economic growth. This includes integration with schemes like PM-KISAN and PM Fasal Bima Yojana for holistic support. 
6. Self-Reliance and Market Access :  Overall, the yojana aims to increase domestic production, fostering Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in agriculture, which could stabilize prices and incomes for farmers while reducing import dependencies. 

Primary Beneficiaries

1. Small and marginal farmers
2. Agricultural cooperative societies and FPOs
3. Agri-tech startups
4. Women farmers and self-help groups (SHGs)
5. Rural communities

Implementation begins in October 2025 for the rabi season, with district, state, and national committees ensuring progress through monthly reviews.