PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: Progress and Overview

The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) has completed its first year, marking a pivotal step in agricultural transformation across India. This initiative is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for General Studies (GS) Paper 3, which covers agriculture and related sectors. Last Updated: 13-10-2026

Key Facts About PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

• The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) aims to transform agriculture in 100 Aspirational Agricultural Districts through district-specific interventions.
• Addresses challenges like low agricultural productivity, inadequate irrigation, and limited access to agricultural credit.
• Approved by the Union Cabinet on 16th July 2025 and launched on 11th October 2025, it spans six years (2025-2031).
• Objectives include enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting crop diversification, and improving irrigation facilities.
• Districts were selected based on low productivity, cropping intensity, and credit disbursement, ensuring representation from each State.
• Integrates 36 Central schemes across 11 Ministries, with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare leading the implementation.
• Follows a three-tier implementation mechanism at district, state, and national levels.

India's Agricultural Transformation

The PMDDKY is pivotal in aligning with India's economic and strategic goals, focusing on agricultural productivity and sustainability. This initiative supports India's aim to enhance food security and rural development, contributing to the nation's GDP growth. Comparatively, India's agricultural reforms are setting benchmarks in sustainable practices globally.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 3: Agriculture, cropping patterns, irrigation, and food security.
• Prelims: Questions on scheme objectives, launch dates, and district selection criteria.
• Mains: Analytical themes on agricultural transformation, district-centric development, and convergence of schemes.
• Essay Paper: Topics on sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana? PMDDKY is a six-year initiative aimed at transforming 100 Aspirational Agricultural Districts through focused agricultural interventions.
• When was PMDDKY launched? It was formally launched on 11 October 2025.
• How many districts are covered under PMDDKY? The scheme covers 100 Aspirational Agricultural Districts.
• How were the districts selected? Selection was based on low productivity, low cropping intensity, and low agricultural credit disbursement, as well as the share of net cropped area and operational holdings.
• How many Central schemes are converged under PMDDKY? The scheme integrates 36 Central schemes across 11 Ministries and Departments, along with State schemes and private sector participation.