PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana: Modi Government Launches ₹24,000 Crore Scheme to Benefit 1.7 Crore Farmers

In a major move ahead of the 20th installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, the central government has greenlit a brand-new agricultural initiative titled “Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana”. Approved by the Union Cabinet, this scheme promises to bring substantial relief and modernization opportunities to nearly 1.7 crore farmers across India.

With an annual budget allocation of ₹24,000 crore, this ambitious program integrates 36 sub-schemes from 11 ministries into a single unified plan aimed at improving agricultural productivity, promoting crop diversification, and enhancing rural incomes, especially in 100 of the country's most underperforming districts.

What Is the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana?

Announced during the 2025–26 Union Budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana is designed to address the multiple challenges faced by Indian farmers. The plan specifically targets districts with low crop productivity, moderate cropping intensity, and below-average access to agricultural credit.

Unlike direct benefit transfer programs, this initiative focuses on district-level implementation, aiming to transform local agricultural ecosystems through better infrastructure, technology, and sustainable practices.

Key Objectives of the Scheme

The scheme has been formulated with clear and measurable goals, including:

• Boosting agricultural productivity in low-yield regions.

• Encouraging crop diversification, especially climate-resilient crops.

• Promoting sustainable farming practices to mitigate environmental impact.

• Upgrading irrigation systems to ensure optimal water usage.

• Improving post-harvest storage through new infrastructure at the village and block level.

• Increasing farmers’ access to credit through improved financial linkages.

Who Will Benefit?

The government has identified 100 districts across various states that meet the eligibility criteria. Each state will have at least one selected district, ensuring pan-India coverage. The focus is on areas with the lowest agricultural indicators, making this a targeted intervention rather than a general subsidy scheme.

Through this initiative, the government expects to uplift 1.7 crore small and marginal farmers, helping them adapt to modern agricultural techniques and increasing their income potential.

Implementation Strategy

The PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana will be executed in collaboration with state governments, with coordination from 11 central ministries. Here's how the plan will be rolled out:

• District-level master plans will be developed based on local needs.

• Monitoring teams will be formed at district and block levels.

• Technology partners will assist in data analytics and program tracking.

• Agricultural stakeholders, including cooperatives and NGOs, will be roped in for on-ground execution.

• Livelihood diversification such as goat and poultry farming will be promoted alongside crop farming.

How Will Farmers Gain?

While farmers are not required to apply individually, they will indirectly benefit from:

• Improved access to irrigation, storage, and processing units.

• More opportunities in animal husbandry and allied sectors.

• Training in modern farming methods and better connectivity with government schemes.

• Greater ease in accessing agricultural loans and insurance schemes.

The integrated approach aims to build self-reliant rural economies where farmers are empowered with tools, infrastructure, and market linkages to boost productivity and profitability.

Final Thoughts

With this flagship initiative, the Modi government reinforces its commitment to doubling farmers' income and building a resilient agricultural sector. The PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana is expected to create lasting structural changes in farming communities, particularly in backward regions.

As India awaits the next PM-Kisan installment, this scheme comes as an added gift for millions of farmers — offering not just financial aid, but a roadmap for long-term development and prosperity in rural India.