|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
PMDDKY marks one year with focus on farm productivity
|
|
Wednesday, 14 October, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Our Bureau, Mumbai
|
The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) completed one year of implementation on October 11, 2026, with the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, highlighting the need to accelerate implementation and deliver measurable improvements in agricultural productivity and farmers’ incomes across 100 identified districts.
To mark the occasion, the department organised an event at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC), PUSA, New Delhi. The programme was attended by Union Ministers, senior government officials, Central Nodal Officers, district collectors, agricultural scientists and progressive farmers, with more than 370 delegates representing the identified districts.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the first year had focused on establishing a strong foundation for the scheme, while the coming year must prioritise visible and measurable outcomes at the grassroots level.
He emphasised the need to improve agricultural productivity, increase cropping intensity, strengthen irrigation and water management, facilitate access to agricultural credit, promote high-value agriculture, expand post-harvest infrastructure and enhance farmers’ incomes.
Chouhan said the scheme’s success would ultimately be measured by the difference it makes to farmers’ lives. He called for stronger coordination among Central and State governments, district administrations, scientific institutions and farming communities to accelerate implementation and translate district-level action plans into tangible benefits.
The minister also highlighted the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, scheduled to be conducted across all states from October 22 to November 30, 2026. The campaign aims to promote soil health through the balanced and judicious use of fertilisers. He urged state governments and relevant authorities to participate actively, stressing the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in maintaining soil fertility, protecting the environment and conserving natural resources.
In his welcome address, the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare highlighted the scheme’s district-centric planning approach. Under this framework, district action plans are developed according to local soil conditions, rainfall, cropping patterns, water availability, infrastructure and the requirements of farming communities.
He acknowledged the contributions of state governments, district collectors, district nodal officers, Central Nodal Officers, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) scientists and field functionaries in implementing the programme. District Dhan-Dhaanya Samitis also play a key role in coordinating planning and implementation.
The scheme monitors district performance against 121 indicators through a dedicated dashboard. Monthly rankings are intended to promote transparency, accountability and healthy competition among participating districts.
During the event, representatives from three districts presented their experiences and innovative agricultural initiatives. Gadchiroli showcased its work on water conservation and drought resilience, Alluri Sitharama Raju highlighted efforts to promote high-value horticulture, and Banka presented the Lilawaran Natural Farming Land Revival Model.
The presentations demonstrated how locally tailored interventions, supported by coordination among government departments and farmer participation, can address agricultural challenges and provide replicable solutions.
The programme also recognised the best-performing districts under PMDDKY. Gaya in Bihar secured first place, followed by Nagaur in Rajasthan in second place and Umaria in Madhya Pradesh in third place.
Additionally, 18 districts were recognised for exemplary work across six key objectives of the scheme: enhancing agricultural productivity; promoting crop diversification and sustainable farming practices; augmenting post-harvest storage capacity; improving irrigation infrastructure; facilitating access to short- and long-term agricultural credit; and strengthening governance and service delivery.
The recognition highlighted initiatives undertaken by districts across these areas and encouraged others to adopt innovative practices to improve agricultural outcomes.
Announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 and formally launched on October 11, 2025, PMDDKY covers 100 districts identified for low agricultural productivity, low cropping intensity and limited agricultural credit disbursement.
The scheme aims to enhance agricultural productivity, encourage crop diversification and sustainable farming practices, expand post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block levels, improve irrigation facilities and facilitate access to short- and long-term agricultural credit.
It brings together 36 Central government schemes across 11 ministries and departments, alongside relevant state government schemes, under a convergent framework to address district-specific agricultural priorities.
The anniversary programme concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening district-level planning, encouraging innovation and improving coordination among government departments. The focus for the coming year will be on scaling up successful interventions and delivering tangible benefits to farmers through higher productivity, resilient agricultural practices, improved infrastructure and better access to institutional credit. The government reiterated its commitment to making the 100 identified districts models of agricultural development, sustainable farming and rural prosperity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|