PM Modi Launches Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana To Transform Agriculture In Lagging Districts

In a significant push for rural and agricultural development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the approval of the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana on Wednesday.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, cleared the scheme for implementation over six years, beginning with 2025–26.

PM Modi, in a post on X, stated, “We are committed to bringing a significant change in the lives of our farmer brothers and sisters. This scheme will not only increase crop production in lagging districts but also boost the income of our food providers.”

Supporting Underperforming Agricultural Districts

The Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana aims to uplift 100 identified districts that currently show low agricultural productivity, poor cropping intensity, and limited credit distribution.

The scheme draws inspiration from NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme but is the first of its kind to focus solely on agriculture and allied sectors.

Districts will be selected using key indicators, and every state or union territory will have at least one district included. Allocation will be based on each state’s share of net cropped area and operational holdings.

The government will implement the scheme announced in the 2025–26 Budget by converging 36 existing schemes across 11 departments. It will also include local-level partnerships and private sector involvement to maximise impact.

Holistic Agricultural Development

The initiative focuses on improving crop productivity, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices, and promoting diversification.

Key components include enhancing irrigation infrastructure, increasing access to both long-term and short-term agricultural credit, and boosting post-harvest storage at the block and panchayat levels.

By focusing on these areas, the government aims to create more resilient and self-reliant farming communities across the country.

In parallel, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved enhanced delegation of powers to NTPC Ltd to invest up to ₹20,000 crore in its renewable energy arm and joint ventures. This decision comes as India reaches 50% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.

PM Modi called the move ‘a boost to India’s efforts to strengthen renewable energy capacity’. The projects will not only expand clean energy infrastructure but also generate employment and support local suppliers, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas.

Together, these initiatives reflect the government’s broader vision for rural development, farmer welfare, and sustainable energy. As India advances towards a greener and more equitable economy, the Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana stands as a critical step in empowering the nation’s farmers and securing its food future.

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