GS3 – Agriculture
Context:
The Union Cabinet has greenlit the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY)—a flagship umbrella scheme designed to bolster agricultural productivity and foster self-reliance. This initiative merges 36 central schemes across 11 ministries.
Salient Features of PM-DDKY
- Nature: Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding by the Central Government.
- Goal: To drive productivity, support low-performing districts, encourage value addition, generate income, strengthen rural livelihoods, and promote balanced regional development.
Funding and Convergence
- Scheme Integration: Consolidates 36 schemes from 11 departments to ensure efficient and coordinated implementation.
- Budget: An annual allocation of ₹24,000 crore has been approved for the next six years.
- Private Sector Role: Partnerships with private entities will help in strengthening on-ground implementation.
Targeted Strategy and District Selection
- Inspired by ADP Model: Utilizes the Aspirational Districts Programme framework to focus on 100 underperforming districts.
- Priority to Small Farmers: Special emphasis on small and marginal farmers to boost productivity and inclusion.
- Data-Centric Selection: Districts are chosen using metrics such as low crop productivity, low cropping intensity, and limited access to institutional credit, with inputs from NABARD and the Department of Financial Services.
Implementation Mechanism
- District-Level Planning: Formation of District Dhan Dhaanya Samitis to design localised plans aligned with national goals.
- Oversight Committees: Dedicated committees at district, state, and national levels will monitor progress and performance.
- Progress Monitoring: A central dashboard will track 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on a monthly basis.
- Nodal Officers: Each district will have a Central Nodal Officer to ensure real-time support and accountability.
Technological and Institutional Empowerment
- Tech Adoption: Incorporation of GIS mapping, AI-based advisories, and sensor-based monitoring for enhanced agricultural outcomes.
- Improved Credit Access: Expansion of Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) and strengthening of rural banking systems.
- Farmer Empowerment: Boosting capacity of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to improve market access and value chains.