Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana 2025: Benefits, Eligibility & Application Process

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Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana 2025: A Comprehensive Guide to Boosting Agricultural Productivity and Rural Growth

The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY) is a flagship agricultural initiative launched by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2025-26 to revitalize farming in India’s low-productivity regions. Announced on February 1, 2025, this scheme targets 1.7 crore farmers across 100 districts and aligns with India’s vision for sustainable agriculture and rural prosperity. Below is a detailed breakdown of the scheme’s objectives, benefits, eligibility, and impact.

 

Overview of PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

Launch Date and Budget Allocation

• Launch Date: February 1, 2025.
• Budget: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare received a 4% increase in allocation, rising to ₹1.37 lakh crore for 2025-26. PMDKY will leverage funds from existing schemes like the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).

Inspiration

The scheme draws inspiration from the Aspirational Districts Programme (2018) and aims to replicate its success in transforming underdeveloped agricultural regions.

 

Key Objectives of PMDKY 

The scheme focuses on five pillars to drive agricultural transformation:

1. Enhance Agricultural Productivity: Promote modern farming techniques and efficient land use.
2. Crop Diversification: Encourage farmers to grow pulses, millets, and vegetables for income stability.
3. Improve Post-Harvest Infrastructure: Build storage facilities at panchayat and block levels to reduce wastage.
4. Expand Irrigation Coverage: Upgrade water-efficient technologies to reduce dependency on monsoons.
5. Facilitate Credit Access: Provide short-term and long-term loans for small farmers via Public Sector Banks (PSBs).

Also Read: Latest Indian Government Schemes Launched in 2025 

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for PMDKY, applicants must meet these criteria:

• Residency: Permanent resident of India.
• Occupation: Actively engaged in farming.
• Location: Reside in one of the 100 designated districts with low crop intensity or productivity.
• Documents Required: Aadhaar Card, bank account details, and land ownership proof.

 

Application Process

Farmers can apply online through these steps:

1. Visit the official portal: pmkisan.gov.in.
2. Click “Apply Now” under PMDKY.
3. Fill in personal, agricultural, and bank details.
4. Upload required documents.
5. Submit the application for verification.

 

Benefits of PMDKY

The scheme offers multifaceted benefits to farmers and the agricultural sector:

For Farmers

• Financial Assistance: Direct subsidies for seeds, fertilizers, and equipment.
• Technical Support: Training in climate-resilient farming and precision agriculture.
• Credit Access: Loans up to ₹5 lakh via the Grameen Credit Score framework.
• Infrastructure Development: Cold storage units and irrigation upgrades to minimize losses.

For the Agricultural Sector

• Increased Crop Diversity: Focus on pulses (Tur, Urad, Masoor) and millets to ensure food security.
• Sustainable Practices: Adoption of water-efficient technologies and organic farming.
• Employment Generation: Rural enterprises and FPOs to create 5 lakh jobs.

 

Impact on Farmers and Rural Economy

1. Boosting Farmer Incomes

By improving productivity and market access, PMDKY aims to increase farmer incomes by 25% by 2030.

2. Reducing Migration

The Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme (linked to PMDKY) will address underemployment through skill development and rural enterprises, curbing forced migration.

3. Strengthening Food Security

• Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: A 6-year plan to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses through climate-resilient seeds and assured procurement by NAFED/NCCF.
• Vegetables & Fruits Initiative: Enhanced supply chains and processing units for nutrient-rich produce.

 

Challenges in Implementation

While PMDKY is transformative, its success depends on:

• Timely Fund Disbursal: Convergence of existing schemes may cause delays.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Limited cold storage and irrigation in remote districts.
• Farmer Awareness: Extensive outreach needed to educate beneficiaries.

 

FAQs

Q1. How many farmers will benefit from PMDKY?
A: Approximately 1.7 crore farmers across 100 districts.

Q2. What is the budget for PMDKY?
A: No standalone allocation; funds pooled from existing schemes under a ₹1.37 lakh crore agriculture budget.

Q3. How does PMDKY support sustainable agriculture?
A: Promotes climate-resilient seeds, water-efficient irrigation, and organic practices.

 

Conclusion

The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana is a game-changer for India’s agrarian economy, targeting systemic issues like low productivity, credit access, and post-harvest losses. For competitive exam aspirants, understanding this scheme is crucial to grasp India’s policy priorities in agriculture and rural development. Farmers in low-yield regions stand to gain significantly from its holistic approach, while the nation moves closer to its goals of food security and sustainable growth.

For updates, visit the official PM-KISAN portal or the PIB.

(Relevant for UPSC, SSC, State PCS, and Farmers)