PMDDKY: Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

                                                                                                                                                                            Dr. R. S. Sengar

Detailed Guide on PMDDKY 2025:

The Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) is a ground breaking government initiative launched to revolutionize Indian agriculture by making it more productive, sustainable, and financially rewarding for farmers. Announced on February 1, 2025, during the Union Budget 2025-26 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and approved by the Union Cabinet on July 16, 2025, PMDDKY targets 100 underperforming districts where farming faces challenges like low crop yields, water scarcity, and limited access to resources. With an annual budget of ₹24,000 crore for six years (2025-26 to 2030-31), totaling ₹1.44 lakh crore, the scheme aims to support 1.7 crore farmers, particularly small and marginal farmers owning less than 2 hectares of land, who constitute 86% of India’s farming population (Economic Survey 2024-25).

PMDDKY consolidates 36 existing agricultural schemes across 11 ministries, including PM-KISAN (cash transfers), PMFBY (crop insurance), PMKSY (irrigation), and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), into a unified program to streamline efforts and maximize impact. Drawing inspiration from NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), which transformed 112 underdeveloped districts in health, education, and infrastructure, PMDDKY focuses on regions with low crop yields (e.g., wheat yields below 3.5 tonnes/hectare compared to the national average), moderate cropping intensity (below 155%, meaning fewer than 1.55 crop cycles per year), and limited access to credit. By providing irrigation, storage, loans, training, and modern technology support , PMDDKY seeks to boost farmer incomes, ensure food security, and advance Atmanirbhar Bharat that is self-reliant India. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has described it as a cornerstone for creating a “poverty-free India” by empowering rural communities through sustainable agriculture.

The scheme operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, with oversight from a National Steering Committee, state-level nodal committees, and District Dhan Dhaanya Samitis led by District Collectors. These bodies ensure tailored implementation based on local needs, monitored through a digital dashboard tracking 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) like crop yields, loan disbursals, and storage usage. PMDDKY is ready to launch in October 2025 for the Rabi season, with applications opening in September 2025.

What is PMDDKY?

PMDDKY, or Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, is a new scheme by the Indian government to support farmers. Under this scheme, farmers get direct financial help, new farming tools, crop insurance, and better market access. This was announced in the Union Budget 2025 to make farming easier, modern, and more profitable.

Why PMDDKY Was Launched?

Indian agriculture, which employs 46% of the workforce (Economic Survey 2024-25), faces significant challenges that hinder its potential to support livelihoods and national food security:

• Low Crop Productivity: Many districts, particularly in Uttar Pradesh (Purvanchal, Bundelkhand), Bihar (Seemanchal), and Madhya Pradesh (tribal areas), produce lower yields due to degraded soil, outdated farming methods, or insufficient irrigation. For instance, rice yields in Seemanchal average 1.8 tonnes/hectare compared to the national 2.7 tonnes.
• Dependence on Monsoons: Over 52% of India’s farmland relies on unpredictable monsoons, leading to crop failures during droughts or unseasonal rains, as seen in Bundelkhand’s 2023 drought that affected 30% of crops.
• Small Landholdings: Approximately 86% of farmers own less than 2 hectares, earning an average of ₹10,218 per month (NSSO 2019), which is often insufficient to meet family needs, leading to debt and distress.
• Lack of Modern Resources: Many farmers cannot afford high-quality seeds, bio-fertilizers, or mechanized equipment like tractors or harvesters, limiting productivity and efficiency.
• Post-Harvest Losses: Up to 20% of crops, such as tomatoes and mangoes, spoil due to inadequate storage facilities, resulting in an estimated ₹50,000 crore annual loss (ICAR 2023).
• Low Farmer Income: Market inefficiencies and reliance on middlemen reduce profits, trapping farmers in cycles of poverty and debt.

PMDDKY’s Objectives:

• Increase crop yields by 20-30% through high-quality inputs and technology.
• Reduce reliance on monsoons with advanced irrigation systems like drip and sprinkler.
• Provide affordable tools and mechanization to enhance efficiency.
• Build storage infrastructure to cut post-harvest losses to under 5%.
• Offer loans and direct market access to double farmer incomes by 2030, aligning with the government’s extended goal from 2022 due to economic disruptions like COVID-19.
• Promote sustainable practices like organic farming to protect soil and water resources.
• Support women, youth, and allied sectors (e.g., dairy, fisheries, poultry) to diversify income sources.
• Achieve self-sufficiency in foodgrains, pulses and oilseeds to reduce India’s dependence on imports.

By addressing these challenges, PMDDKY aims to strengthen rural economies, reduce poverty, and make farming a viable and attractive profession.

Key Benefits of PMDDKY

PMDDKY offers a comprehensive set of benefits designed to transform the agricultural landscape:

1. Increased Crop Yields: Access to high-yielding seeds (e.g., hybrid wheat yielding 4 tonnes/hectare), bio-fertilizers, and mechanized tools like seed drills to boost production.
2. Higher Income: Diversifying into high-value crops like pulses (₹80-100/kg) and vegetables, and direct market access through apps to increase profits by 20-40%.
3. Sustainable Farming: Organic fertilizers, water-saving irrigation, and climate-resilient crops to maintain soil health and reduce environmental impact.
4. Irrigation Systems: Drip and sprinkler systems to ensure water availability, enabling year-round farming in dry regions.
5. Storage Facilities: Village and block-level warehouses and cold storage to prevent spoilage of 20% of perishables like fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
6. Financial Support: Subsidies (50-80% off inputs) and loans (short-term: ₹50,000–₹1 lakh; long-term: ₹1–10 lakh) through Kisan Credit Cards or NABARD.
7. Market Access: Digital platforms like e-NAM and new PMDDKY apps to connect farmers directly to buyers, reducing middlemen and boosting profits.
8. Training and Skill Development: Free workshops by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), agricultural universities, and private partners on modern farming, drone use, and allied activities like beekeeping.
9. Women Empowerment: Support for 10,000 women producer groups with training, loans, and market linkages for activities like dairy or organic farming.
10. Global Exposure: Fully funded international training for 500 farmers in countries like Israel (expertise in drip irrigation), Japan (precision farming), or the Netherlands (greenhouse technology).

PMDDKY Benefits Table

Benefit	Description	Impact
Crop Yields	High-yielding seeds, tools	20-30% more output
Income	Diversified crops, direct sales	20-40% profit increase
Sustainability	Organic farming, water-saving systems	Healthier soil, eco-friendly
Irrigation	Drip/sprinkler systems	Saves 30-50% water
Storage	Warehouses, cold storage	Saves 20% of crops
Financial Aid	Subsidies, loans	Affordable inputs, investment
Market Access	e-NAM, PMDDKY apps	Higher prices, no middlemen
Training	Workshops, global programs	Modern skills, global exposure

These benefits aim to make farming efficient, profitable, and resilient, targeting 1.7 crore farmers over six years.

Who Can Apply for PMDDKY?

PMDDKY is designed to support a wide range of farmers and agricultural workers in the 100 selected districts:

• Small and Marginal Farmers: Those with less than 2 hectares, who form 86% of India’s farmers and face challenges like low yields and limited resources.
• Women Farmers: Women engaged in farming or allied activities such as dairy, poultry, beekeeping, or organic vegetable cultivation, particularly those in registered producer groups.
• Young Farmers: Youth adopting modern farming techniques or starting agribusinesses, such as organic farming or value-added product ventures (e.g., packaged spices).
• Farmers in Low-Productivity Areas: Those in districts with low crop yields (e.g., below 3.5 tonnes/hectare for wheat), moderate cropping intensity (below 155%), or limited access to bank loans or Kisan Credit Cards.
• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Groups of farmers collaborating to access shared benefits like bulk loans, storage facilities, or market linkages.
• Allied Sector Workers: Individuals involved in dairy, fisheries, poultry, or apiculture in the selected districts, contributing to diversified rural income.

Large farmers and private companies can participate through public-private partnerships (PPPs) to develop infrastructure like storage units, processing plants, or technology dissemination. Eligibility details will be finalized by District Dhan Dhaanya Samitis after the district list is announced on July 31, 2025. Farmers must reside or farm in the selected districts to qualify, and verification will ensure benefits reach genuine beneficiaries.

How to Apply for PMDDKY?

As of July 25, 2025, the application process is still being finalized, but based on similar schemes like PM-KISAN and PMFBY, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Verify District Inclusion: By July 31, 2025, NITI Aayog will publish the list of 100 districts. Visit your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), District Collector’s office, or Gram Panchayat to confirm if your area is included.
2. Contact District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti: Each district has a committee that is led by the District Collector, including agricultural officers, local leaders, and women representatives, to guide applicants and process applications.
3. Register Details: Provide your name, address, Aadhaar number, land size, crops grown (e.g., rice, pulses, vegetables), and allied activities (e.g., dairy or beekeeping). Registration may be online or offline.
4. Submit Documents: Share required papers (listed below) to prove eligibility and farming status.
5. Select Desired Benefits: Choose specific support, such as seeds, irrigation systems, loans, storage access, or training, based on your needs.
6. Verification Process: The Samiti will verify details through document checks, field visits, or digital records to ensure eligibility and prevent fraud.
7. Receive Benefits: Approved farmers will receive subsidies, loans, or access to storage and training within 2-4 weeks of verification.

Applications are expected to open in September 2025, ahead of the October 2025 rabi season launch (focusing on crops like wheat and pulses). Farmers should check government websites like www.pmkisan.gov.in or www.agricoop.nic.in, or contact local KVKs, for updates on the application process and deadlines.

Documents Required for PMDDKY

Based on requirements for schemes like PM-KISAN and PMFBY, the following documents are likely needed:

• Aadhaar Card: Mandatory for identity verification and linking to benefits like subsidies or loans.
• Land Ownership Papers: Land records, patta, or lease agreements to confirm you farm the land.
• Bank Account Details: Passbook or bank statement for direct benefit transfers or loan disbursals.
• Farmer ID: Kisan Credit Card, PM-KISAN ID, or other agricultural IDs, if available, to streamline verification.
• Address Proof: Ration card, voter ID, or utility bill to confirm residency in a selected district.
• Passport-Size Photographs: Recent photos for registration forms.
• Women Producer Group Certificate: For women applying as part of registered groups, verifying their membership.
• FPO Registration Certificate: For farmer groups seeking collective benefits like shared storage or loans.
• Caste Certificate: For farmers applying under reserved categories (e.g., SC/ST) to access additional benefits.
• Soil Health Card: Optional, to assess land needs and receive tailored inputs like fertilizers or seeds.

Farmers should prepare both originals and copies of these documents and check with their local District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti for any additional or district-specific requirements once the application process is officially announced.

Online and Offline Application for PMDDKY

PMDDKY ensures accessibility through flexible application options:

• Online Application:
  • A dedicated government portal or mobile app, likely an extension of Kisan Suvidha or a new PMDDKY platform, will launch by October 2025.
  • Steps: Visit the website or app, enter Aadhaar and farm details (e.g., land size, crops), upload scanned documents, select desired benefits, and submit the application.
  • Common Service Centers (CSCs): Rural internet kiosks will assist farmers without personal internet or smartphones, charging nominal fees (₹50-100) for support.
  • Digital literacy campaigns, supported by KVKs and local NGOs, will help farmers navigate the online process.
• Offline Application:
  • Visit the District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti, KVK, or Gram Panchayat office to apply in person.
  • Steps: Collect a physical application form, fill it out with details like name and crops grown, attach documents, submit to officials, and receive a receipt for tracking.
  • Agricultural officers, village-level workers, or Samiti staff will provide guidance, especially in remote areas with limited internet access.

The government will announce the portal link, app details, and office locations closer to the launch date. Awareness campaigns through radio, SMS, WhatsApp, and KVKs will ensure farmers in rural and remote areas are informed about how to apply. These campaigns aim to reach 90% of eligible farmers in the 100 districts by September 2025.

Financial and Material Support Available

PMDDKY provides a robust package of financial and material support tailored to farmers’ needs:

• Subsidies: 50-80% discounts on high-yielding seeds (e.g., hybrid pulses reduced from ₹200/kg to ₹50/kg), bio-fertilizers, and equipment like drip irrigation systems (₹15,000–₹50,000 per hectare, similar to PMKSY).
• Short-Term Loans: ₹50,000–₹1 lakh at 4-7% interest through Kisan Credit Cards for immediate needs like seeds, fertilizers, or pesticides.
• Long-Term Loans: ₹1–10 lakh for capital investments such as tractors, harvesters, or storage units, facilitated by NABARD or commercial banks.
• Storage Access: Free or low-cost use of village and block-level warehouses and cold storage for grains, vegetables, and dairy, reducing post-harvest losses by up to 20%.
• Irrigation Support: Subsidized drip and sprinkler systems, saving 30-50% water and enabling year-round farming in dry regions.
• Training Programs: Free workshops by KVKs, agricultural universities, and private partners on organic farming, mechanization, and allied activities like poultry or beekeeping.
• Market Support: Free access to digital platforms like e-NAM or new PMDDKY apps for direct sales to buyers, increasing profits by 20-30% by bypassing middlemen.
• Global Training: Fully funded international trips for 500 farmers to learn advanced techniques in countries like Israel (drip irrigation), Japan (precision farming), or the Netherlands (greenhouse technology).

The ₹24,000 crore annual budget is allocated as follows: 40% for subsidies, 30% for infrastructure (storage, irrigation), 20% for loans, and 10% for training and market support. This ensures tailored support based on district-specific agricultural needs.

Financial and Material Support Breakdown

Support Type	Description	Cost to Farmer	Impact
Subsidies	Seeds, fertilizers, drip systems	20-50% of cost	Reduces input costs by 50%
Short-Term Loans	₹50,000–₹1 lakh, 4-7% interest	Repayable in 1-2 years	Enables sowing, pest control
Long-Term Loans	₹1–10 lakh	Repayable in 5-10 years	Supports mechanization, infrastructure
Storage Access	Warehouses, cold storage	Free or ₹100-500/month	Saves 20% of crops
Irrigation	Drip/sprinkler systems	₹3,000–₹10,000/hectare	Year-round farming, water savings

Which States Will Benefit?

NITI Aayog will finalize 100 districts by July 31, 2025, based on:

• Low Crop Productivity: Yields below national averages (e.g., wheat below 3.5 tonnes/hectare or rice below 2.7 tonnes/hectare).
• Moderate Cropping Intensity: Fewer than 1.55 crop cycles per year (national average: 155%).
• Low Credit Access: Limited penetration of bank loans or Kisan Credit Cards, often below 30% of farmers in a district.
• Geographic Representation: At least one district per state and Union Territory to ensure nationwide coverage.

Which Districts Will Benefit?

Likely Priority Districts:

• Uttar Pradesh: Purvanchal (Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Azamgarh) and Bundelkhand (Jhansi, Banda, Chitrakoot), known for low yields and water scarcity.
• Bihar: Seemanchal (Purnea, Katihar, Araria) with poor irrigation and credit access.
• Madhya Pradesh: All Tribal districts like Jhabua, Barwani, and Alirajpur with low productivity.
• Rajasthan: Arid districts like Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner facing severe water challenges.
• Northeast: Dhubri (Assam), Mon (Nagaland), and West Khasi Hills (Meghalaya) with underdeveloped infrastructure.
• Other States: Backward districts in Odisha (Kalahandi), Jharkhand (Dumka), Chhattisgarh (Bastar), and Andhra Pradesh (Anantapur).

The final list will be published on government websites like www.agricoop.nic.in or www.niti.gov.in. Farmers can be confirm inclusion by contacting their District Collector, KVK, or Gram Panchayat after July 31, 2025. The selection process involves data analysis by NITI Aayog, consultations with state governments, and alignment with national agricultural priorities to ensure the most deserving areas are targeted.

Support for Small and Marginal Farmers

Small and marginal farmers, who make up 86% of India’s farming population, are the primary focus of PMDDKY:

• Affordable Inputs: Subsidies reduce costs of seeds (e.g., hybrid wheat from ₹500/kg to ₹100/kg), bio-fertilizers, and small tools like hand sprayers or seed drills.
• Easy Loans: Short-term loans of ₹50,000–₹1 lakh through Kisan Credit Cards at 4-7% interest for immediate needs like sowing or pest control.
• Irrigation Access: Subsidized drip irrigation systems (₹15,000/hectare) for small plots, enabling multiple crop cycles even in dry seasons.
• Storage Facilities: Free or low-cost access to village-level warehouses and cold storage, preventing losses of crops like tomatoes (20% spoilage rate).
• Training Programs: Free classes by KVKs on organic farming, crop rotation, and mechanization to boost yields by 20-30%.
• Market Linkages: Digital platforms like e-NAM connect farmers to buyers, ensuring 20-40% higher prices by avoiding middlemen.
• Crop Diversification: Support to grow high-value crops like pulses (₹80-100/kg) or vegetables, reducing reliance on low-value crops like wheat (₹22/kg).

These measures help small farmers increase production, reduce costs, and stabilize income, aligning with the goal to double farmer incomes by 2030.

Special Support for Women Farmers

PMDDKY prioritizes women’s empowerment to strengthen rural communities:

• 10,000 Women Producer Groups: Training, loans, and market support for activities like dairy, poultry, beekeeping, or organic vegetable farming. As of July 2025, 5,000 groups are registered, with 5,000 more planned by December 2025, potentially benefiting 5 lakh women.
• Free Training: Workshops on modern farming techniques, value addition (e.g., producing cheese or fruit jams), and business skills to start or expand small enterprises.
• Microfinance Loans: ₹10,000–₹1 lakh at low interest rates to purchase inputs or start ventures like honey production or poultry farming.
• Direct Market Access: Apps and cooperatives enable women to sell products like milk, organic vegetables, or honey directly, fetching 20-50% higher prices.
• Leadership Roles: Women are included in District Dhan Dhaanya Samitis to influence local agricultural planning and ensure gender-inclusive policies.

 

Support Type	Description	Impact
Producer Groups	Training, loans for 10,000 groups	Empowers 5 lakh women
Microfinance	₹10,000–₹1 lakh loans	Starts small businesses
Market Access	Apps, cooperatives for direct sales	20-50% higher profits
Training	Farming, value addition skills	Increases income, leadership

 

Support for Women Farmers

This support empowers the women to earn independently, support their families, and lead community development efforts.

Benefits for Large Farmers and Private Companies

While small farmers are the primary focus, large farmers and private companies also benefit through:

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaboration with companies like ITC, Mahindra, or Godrej to supply seeds, machines, or market platforms, sharing infrastructure costs.
• Storage Access: Use of new warehouses and cold storage for bulk crops like grains, pulses, or fruits.
• Long-Term Loans: ₹1–10 lakh for large-scale projects like greenhouses, processing units, or mechanized farms.
• Advanced Technology: Access to drones, IoT sensors, and precision farming tools to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs.
• Export Opportunities: Partnerships to sell high-value crops, such as organic spices or fruits, to national and international markets, boosting profits.

These partnerships modernize large-scale farming while creating shared infrastructure like storage or processing units that small farmers can also access, fostering inclusive growth.

Irrigation Improvements

PMDDKY addresses water scarcity, critical for the 52% of Indian farmland dependent on monsoons:

• Drip and Sprinkler Systems: Deliver water directly to roots, saving 30-50% water compared to flood irrigation and increasing yields by up to 20%.
• Expanded Coverage: Targets rain-dependent areas in the 100 districts, such as Bundelkhand or Seemanchal, to enable year-round farming.
• Subsidies: 50-80% cost coverage for irrigation equipment (e.g., ₹15,000–₹50,000 per hectare for drip systems, similar to PMKSY).
• Smart Irrigation: IoT-based soil moisture sensors ensure optimal water use, reducing waste and improving efficiency.

This support ensures reliable water supply, boosting productivity in water-scarce regions and enabling farmers to grow multiple crops annually.

Storage and Warehousing Solutions

PMDDKY tackles post-harvest losses, which affect up to 20% of perishables like fruits, vegetables, and dairy:

• Village and Block-Level Warehouses: New facilities to store grains, pulses, and vegetables, accessible within 5-10 km of most farms.
• Cold Storage Units: Dedicated facilities for perishables, preserving quality and extending shelf life for products like tomatoes, mangoes, milk, and fish.
• Free or Low-Cost Access: Subsidized rates (e.g., ₹100-500/month) for small farmers to ensure affordability.
• Processing Units: Select districts will have facilities to produce value-added products like tomato puree, packaged milk, or fruit jams, increasing farmer profits by 30-50%.

These measures allow farmers to store crops safely and sell at peak market prices, reducing losses and boosting income.

Crop Insurance Coverage

PMDDKY integrates the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to protect the farmers:

• Coverage: Insures crops against losses from natural calamities (drought, floods), pests, or diseases, covering crops like wheat, rice, pulses, and vegetables.
• Low Premiums: Farmers pay 1.5% (kharif crops), 2% (rabi crops), or 5% (horticulture crops) of the premium, with the government subsidizing the rest.
• Easy Claims Process: Farmers can apply via local offices, KVKs, or mobile apps, with payouts processed within weeks using satellite data for transparency.
• Comprehensive Protection: Includes pre-sowing and post-harvest losses, ensuring full support throughout the crop cycle.

This insurance gives farmers confidence to experiment with high-value crops without fear of financial ruin due to unforeseen events.

Easy Access to Loans

PMDDKY simplifies access to credit to support farmers’ financial needs:

• Short-Term Loans: ₹50,000–₹1 lakh at 4-7% interest through Kisan Credit Cards for immediate needs like seeds, fertilizers, or pesticides.
• Long-Term Loans: ₹1–10 lakh for capital investments like tractors, harvesters, or storage units, facilitated by NABARD or commercial banks with repayment terms of 5-10 years.
• Grameen Credit Score: A new system to assess farmers’ creditworthiness based on their farming history, easing loan approvals for those without traditional collateral.
• Microfinance for Women: ₹10,000–₹1 lakh at low interest for women farmers to start or expand ventures like poultry or beekeeping.
• Fast Processing: District Samitis and banks aim to approve loans within 7-14 days, ensuring timely access to funds.

This financial support reduces barriers, enabling farmers to invest in inputs, equipment, and infrastructure to grow their farms.

Market Access and Crop Sales

PMDDKY enhances farmers’ ability to sell crops at better prices:

• Digital Platforms: Apps like e-NAM and new PMDDKY apps connect farmers to buyers across India, ensuring 20-40% higher prices by eliminating middlemen.
• Private Partnerships: Companies facilitate sales to urban markets or export channels, particularly for high-value crops like organic spices or fruits.
• Local Market Infrastructure: Storage and processing units enable farmers to sell locally at competitive rates, supported by improved rural connectivity.
• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Groups negotiate bulk sales, fetching 20-30% higher profits compared to individual sales through traditional markets.

This ensures farmers maximize returns and access larger markets, improving their financial stability.

Support for Organic and Smart Farming

PMDDKY promotes sustainable and modern farming practices:

• Organic Farming:
  • Subsidized bio-fertilizers (e.g., vermicompost at ₹50/kg vs. ₹200/kg for chemical fertilizers) to reduce chemical use and improve soil health.
  • Support for organic certification, enabling farmers to sell certified produce at 20-50% higher prices in domestic and export markets.
  • Training on chemical-free farming techniques to enhance sustainability and meet growing demand for organic products.
• Smart Farming:
  • Drones for crop monitoring, pest control, and fertilizer spraying, reducing labor costs by 30%.
  • IoT sensors to measure soil moisture and nutrient levels, optimizing inputs and improving yields.
  • Mobile apps providing real-time updates on weather, pest alerts, and market prices to inform farming decisions.

These practices make farming eco-friendly, cost-effective, and high-yielding, aligning with global trends toward sustainable agriculture.

Training and Mechanization

PMDDKY equips farmers with modern skills and tools:

• Training Programs:
  • Free workshops by KVKs, agricultural universities, and private partners on organic farming, mechanization, and allied activities like dairy, poultry, or beekeeping.
  • Topics include drone operation, soil health management, crop rotation, and value addition (e.g., producing honey or cheese).
  • 500 farmers will receive fully funded training in countries like Israel (drip irrigation), Japan (precision farming), or the Netherlands (greenhouse technology), bringing global expertise to India.
• Mechanization:
  • Subsidized equipment like tractors (50% off, e.g., ₹3 lakh vs. ₹6 lakh), harvesters, and seed drills to reduce manual labor and increase efficiency.
  • Precision tools like soil sensors (₹5,000–₹10,000) and drip irrigation systems (₹15,000/hectare) for small farmers.
  • Drones for spraying fertilizers or monitoring crops, saving time and improving accuracy.

Opportunities for Young Farmers

PMDDKY makes farming an attractive career for youth:

• Skill Development: Training on smart farming, agribusiness, and allied sectors like fisheries or beekeeping to build modern skills.
• Technology Access: Use of drones, IoT sensors, and mobile apps to make farming tech-driven and efficient.
• Financial Support: Subsidies and loans (₹50,000–₹5 lakh) to start farms or ventures like organic produce or poultry farming.
• Global Exposure: Opportunities for some youth to participate in international training programs, bringing innovative ideas to India.
• Job Creation: Work in PMDDKY-supported dairy, fisheries, or processing units, creating 10-15 jobs per village in allied sectors.
• Entrepreneurship: Support to launch agribusinesses, such as organic farms or value-added products like packaged spices, with market linkages.

This modernization reduces labor, boosts productivity, and makes farming more appealing to younger generations.

These opportunities position farming as a viable and exciting career, encouraging youth to stay in rural areas and contribute to agricultural growth.

As of July 25, 2025, key updates on PMDDKY include:

• Cabinet Approval: The scheme was approved on July 16, 2025, with a ₹24,000 crore annual budget for 2025-26 to 2030-31.
• District Selection: NITI Aayog will finalize the list of 100 districts by July 31, 2025, prioritizing areas like Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, and Seemanchal based on low productivity and credit access.
• Uttar Pradesh Integration: The state plans to align PMDDKY with its UP-AGREES project, targeting 28 districts with ₹5,000 crore annually for irrigation, storage, and yields.
• Women Producer Groups: 5,000 groups are registered, with plans to add 5,000 more by December 2025, empowering women in dairy, poultry, and organic farming.
• Digital Dashboard: A beta version tracks 117 KPIs, including crop yields, loan disbursals, storage usage, and women’s participation, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Launch Timeline: PMDDKY will begin in October 2025 for the rabi season, focusing on crops like wheat and pulses.

Farmers can stay updated through government websites (www.pmkisan.gov.in, www.agricoop.nic.in) or by contacting local KVKs, District Collectors, or Gram Panchayats.

When Will PMDDKY Start in Your Area?

PMDDKY is scheduled to launch nationwide in October 2025, coinciding with the rabi crop season (wheat, pulses, mustard). The exact start date in each district depends on the District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan, prepared by local Samitis to address specific needs like irrigation or storage. After the 100 districts are announced on July 31, 2025, farmers should contact their District Collector, KVK, or Gram Panchayat for local timelines. Districts with existing infrastructure, such as KVKs or banks, may start earlier, while remote areas may require additional setup time for storage or irrigation facilities.

How Many Farmers Have Registered?

As of July 25, 2025, registration has not yet started due to pending district lists and finalized guidelines. The process is expected to begin in September 2025, targeting 1.7 crore farmers over six years (approximately 28 lakh farmers annually). The government aims to enroll 10-15% of eligible farmers in the first year (2025-26), scaling up to full coverage by 2030. Initial projections suggest 5-7 lakh farmers per state in larger states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, with smaller numbers in states like Nagaland or Sikkim. Farmers can check registration updates through local Samitis, KVKs, or government portals like www.pmkisan.gov.in.

Budget Details

PMDDKY’s financial framework is designed to maximize impact without additional fiscal burden:

• Annual Budget: ₹24,000 crore from 2025-26 to 2030-31, totaling ₹1.44 lakh crore over six years.
• Funding Source: Converges budgets of 36 existing schemes across 11 ministries (e.g., Agriculture, Rural Development, Water Resources), including PM-KISAN, PMFBY, and PMKSY, requiring no new allocations.
• Allocation Breakdown: Approximately 40% for subsidies (seeds, fertilizers, equipment), 30% for infrastructure (storage, irrigation), 20% for loans, and 10% for training and market support.
• Agriculture Budget 2025-26: ₹1.37 lakh crore, a 4% increase from 2024-25, with PMDDKY as a flagship component to drive agricultural growth.

This efficient use of existing funds ensures sustainable support for farmers while aligning with national fiscal priorities.

Farmer Feedback and Perceptions

Since PMDDKY is a new initiative, farmer feedback is emerging primarily through discussions on platforms like X and early consultations:

• Positive Sentiments: Farmers are excited about access to irrigation, storage, and technology like drones, calling PMDDKY a “game-changer” for rural prosperity. Small farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar appreciate the focus on low-yield areas.
• Concerns: Some farmers express worries about application clarity, fearing complex processes or delays in benefits. Others are cautious about implementation challenges due to the convergence of 36 schemes.
• Youth Engagement: Young farmers are enthusiastic about smart farming tools and global training opportunities, seeing agriculture as a modern career.
• Government Response: To address concerns, the government plans extensive awareness campaigns through radio, SMS, WhatsApp, mobile apps, and KVKs, targeting 90% coverage in the 100 districts by September 2025.

These campaigns will include village-level meetings, multilingual guides, and helpline support to ensure farmers understand how to access PMDDKY benefits.

Challenges and Solutions

PMDDKY faces several potential challenges, with proactive solutions to ensure success:

• Coordination Complexity: Integrating 36 schemes across 11 ministries risks bureaucratic delays and miscommunication.
  • Solution: Appoint Central Nodal Officers to streamline operations and ensure seamless collaboration between ministries and state governments.
• Awareness Gaps: Farmers in remote areas may lack information about PMDDKY or how to apply, especially in districts with low literacy or internet access.
  • Solution: Launch awareness campaigns via radio, SMS, WhatsApp, and KVKs, with village-level workshops and local language materials to reach 90% of eligible farmers.
• Weather Risks: Droughts, floods, or unseasonal rains (e.g., 2023 floods in Bihar affecting 25% of crops) can undermine yield improvements.
  • Solution: Promote drought-resistant seeds, smart irrigation systems, and PMFBY insurance to mitigate weather-related losses.
• Equitable Distribution: Ensuring all 100 districts receive fair benefits is challenging due to varying infrastructure and administrative capacities.
  • Solution: Monitor 117 KPIs through a digital dashboard, with monthly reviews and third-party audits to ensure transparency and fairness.
• Infrastructure Deficits: Some districts lack roads, electricity, or internet, hindering storage and digital tool adoption.
  • Solution: Leverage public-private partnerships to build rural infrastructure, targeting 50% coverage of storage and irrigation facilities by 2027.

Challenges and Solutions

Challenge	Description	Solution
Coordination	Merging 36 schemes	Central Nodal Officers
Awareness	Remote farmers unaware	Radio, SMS, KVK campaigns
Weather Risks	Droughts, floods	Resilient seeds, insurance
Distribution	Uneven benefits	Digital dashboard, audits
Infrastructure	Lack of roads, power	PPPs for facilities

Comparison with Other Agricultural Schemes

PMDDKY stands out by integrating 36 schemes for a holistic approach, unlike standalone programs with narrower focuses. Below is a detailed comparison with other key agricultural schemes:

Writer: Professor R. S. Sengar, Director Training and Placement, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram, Meerut.