The Union government has launched the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, a new initiative aimed at improving agricultural conditions in 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and limited access to credit.
Announced in the Union Budget 2025 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the scheme will be implemented in collaboration with state governments. Its primary focus is on enhancing rural prosperity through the convergence of existing agricultural programs and tailored measures.
FM Sitharaman stated, "Motivated by the success of the aspirational district program, our government will undertake a Prime Minister Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana in partnership with states. Through the convergence of existing schemes and specialized measures, the program will cover 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average credit parameters."
The scheme, inspired by the success of the Aspirational Districts Program, aims to uplift farmers in underdeveloped agricultural regions. It will focus on five key areas: enhancing agricultural productivity through improved farming techniques, promoting crop diversification and sustainable agricultural practices, developing post-harvest storage facilities at the panchayat and block levels to reduce crop wastage, improving irrigation facilities to boost agricultural output, and facilitating access to both long-term and short-term credit for farmers to adopt better farming practices.
This program is expected to benefit 1.7 crore farmers across these districts, improving their incomes and promoting long-term agricultural sustainability.
In addition to the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, the government has introduced the Rural Prosperity and Resilience Program, to be implemented in collaboration with state governments.
The program aims to address underemployment in agriculture by focusing on skill development, investment, and the adoption of technology to strengthen the rural economy. Sitharaman explained, "Rural Prosperity and Resilience Program will be launched in partnership with the states. This will address underemployment in agriculture through skilling, investment, technology, and invigorating the rural economy."
The program's primary goal is to create sufficient employment opportunities in rural areas, enabling migration to urban centers to become a choice rather than a necessity. It will particularly benefit rural women, young farmers, marginal and small farmers, rural youth, and landless families, ensuring their economic stability.
Through these initiatives, the government aims to foster inclusive growth in agriculture, drive rural development, and provide better opportunities for farmers, making the sector more sustainable and resilient.