Big Boost for Indian Farmers: Cabinet Approves PM Dhan-Dhanya Agriculture Scheme: 36 schemes to be merged under a ₹24,000 crore mission; 1.7 crore farmers to benefit

Key Highlights:

• ₹24,000 crore annual budget for PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana.

• Will merge 36 central and state agriculture schemes.

• 1.7 crore farmers across 100 districts to benefit.

• Rollout begins in October 2025; training from August.

• Focus on irrigation, market link, pulses, and diversification.

In a landmark decision, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PM Dhan Dhanya Agriculture Scheme) to revolutionize Indian agriculture. The scheme aims to modernize the sector, boost productivity, and ensure sustainability, with an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore.

This scheme will directly benefit 1.7 crore farmers across the country by integrating 36 ongoing agricultural schemes. It is seen as a major move to empower farmers, enhance infrastructure, and promote climate-resilient farming practices.

Also Read: Google Launches AI Tools to Empower Indian Farming and Culture

Scheme Implementation and Focus Areas

The PM Dhan-Dhanya Agriculture Scheme will be implemented for six years, starting from the Rabi season in October 2025. Initially, 100 agricultural districts will be selected based on:

• Low agricultural productivity

• Lack of crop diversity

• Poor credit availability under Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

These districts will be developed as model agricultural zones with enhanced infrastructure and technology support.

Key Objectives of the Scheme

The PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana will focus on:

• Promoting crop diversification

• Encouraging climate-resilient farming

• Improving irrigation and water usage efficiency

• Strengthening storage, processing, and market linkages

• Supporting skill development, digital access, and financial inclusion

To ensure effective execution, a nodal officer will be appointed in each district. A digital dashboard by NITI Aayog will track real-time performance.

August Rollout: Training and Awareness

From August 2025, the government will begin training programs and awareness campaigns to reach farmers at the village level. Every district will have a committee led by the collector, including progressive farmers, panchayat representatives, and departmental officials. Two additional monitoring teams will be set up at the state and central levels.

Collaboration with 11 Ministries

Unlike previous schemes, PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana will operate as a "convergence model", integrating resources and efforts from 11 central ministries and departments, along with respective state-level schemes. This will ensure localized, need-based implementation and optimal use of resources.

Expected Schemes to Be Merged Under PM Dhan-Dhanya

While the complete list of schemes is awaited, the following are likely to be part of this integrated mission:

An additional 21–36 schemes related to sustainable farming, livestock, fisheries, agricultural research, and water conservation may also be included. Final guidelines will be released on the Ministry of Agriculture and PIB websites.

Also Read: Top 21 Central Government Schemes for the Welfare of Farmers in India

Minister's Statement: A Historic Transformation

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan hailed the scheme as a "historic change for the agriculture sector". He said that while India’s food grain production has risen by 40%, there remains a gap in regional productivity.

He added, “Our goal is not to bring low-performing districts to the national average, but to transform them into the highest productivity zones.”

Special Mission for Pulses and Horticulture

The Minister also announced the launch of a Pulses Self-Reliance Mission under the same scheme to reduce dependency on imports. At the same time, fruit and vegetable production and their processing chains will be improved to support rural agri-businesses.

Also Read: ICAR Celebrates 97 Years: Focus on Agri Innovation and Farmer Welfare

CMV360 Says

The PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana 2025 is a bold and timely initiative aimed at transforming India’s agricultural sector. By merging multiple schemes and improving coordination, the scheme will provide comprehensive support to farmers, especially those in backward districts. From irrigation to markets, and from technology to training, this scheme is expected to lay the foundation for a more self-reliant, productive, and sustainable agriculture economy in India.