PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana

Why in news ?

• The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, the main objective of which is to increase agricultural productivity in the country and ensure a sustainable increase in the income of farmers.
• This is the first scheme focused on agriculture and allied sectors, inspired by the Aspirational District Program of NITI Aayog.

Objectives:

• Adoption of high value and regionally suitable crops in place of traditional crops.
• Promotion of organic farming, natural farming, low water use techniques.
• Creation of facilities for storage, processing and market linkage.
• Repair/expansion of micro irrigation, water management and canals.
• Loans at low interest rates, increasing access to credit. 

Features:

• The scheme will be implemented in 100 districts of the country.
• At least one district will be selected from each state.
• These districts will be identified on the basis of three major indicators:
  • Low productivity
  • Low cropping intensity
  • Low loan disbursement
• Separate projects will be made for each district.
• Committees will be formed at district, state and national level for effective implementation and monitoring.
• The progress of the scheme in the selected district will be monitored through a dashboard on a monthly basis. 

Implementation strategy of the scheme:

• 36 existing schemes of 11 central ministries/departments will be integrated.
• Coordination with agriculture related schemes of state governments.
• The scheme will be implemented in mission mode.
• Technology, innovation and data-based planning will be given priority. 

Beneficiaries:

• Rs 24 thousand crore will be spent on this scheme per year, which will benefit about 1 crore 70 lakh farmers.
• Especially marginal and small farmers, who are deprived of low productivity and financial access.