New Delhi, July 16:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to transforming the lives of farmers with the launch of a new flagship programme — the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana. Approved by the Union Cabinet for implementation over six years starting 2025-26, the scheme aims to boost agricultural productivity and rural income in 100 underperforming districts.
In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi stated, “We are committed to bringing a significant change in the lives of our farmer brothers and sisters. This scheme will not only increase crop production in low-performing districts but also boost the income of our food providers.”
Inspired by NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme, this agriculture-focused initiative will support crop diversification, sustainable practices, irrigation improvements, and better post-harvest storage infrastructure. It also seeks to enhance the availability of short- and long-term credit to farmers.
The selected 100 districts will be identified based on three key indicators — low agricultural productivity, low cropping intensity, and limited credit disbursement. At least one district will be chosen from each state/UT, with allocation based on the share of Net Cropped Area and operational holdings.
The scheme will be implemented through the convergence of 36 existing schemes across 11 central departments, along with support from state programmes and private partnerships.
In a parallel announcement, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved enhanced investment powers for NTPC Ltd. to support renewable energy development through its subsidiaries and joint ventures, with an outlay of up to ₹20,000 crore. PM Modi called the move a “boost to India’s renewable energy capacity.”
These renewable projects are expected to create both direct and indirect employment, stimulate local economies, support MSMEs, and advance India’s socio-economic development alongside its green energy transition.
