Cabinet nod to scheme for agri sector in 100 districts

PM DHAN-DHAANYA KRISHI YOJANA, A ₹24K-CR-A-YEAR SCHEME, AIMS TO INCREASE CROP DIVERSIFICATION AND ENHANCE PRODUCTIVITY, AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT SAID

- HT Correspondent

The Union cabinet on Wednesday chaired by PM Narendra Modi approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), a ₹24,000-crore-a-year scheme to boost agriculture and allied sectors in 100 districts starting this financial year.

The scheme aims to enhance productivity, increase crop diversification and sustainable agricultural practices, while augmenting post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block levels, an official statement said.

The programme follows an announcement in the Union Budget 2025-26 of a plan to develop 100 districts, which will be implemented through convergence of 36 existing plans across 11 departments, along with local partnerships with the private sector.

PMDDKY, modelled on NITI Aayog's Aspirational Districts Programme, is the first scheme of its kind dedicated exclusively to enhancing farm productivity at the panchayat and block levels. It also envisions improvements in irrigation facilities and facilitate long-term and short-term credit to farmers.