On October 11, 2025, PM Narendra Modi launched two major schemes with a total outlay of ₹35,440 crore—PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and Mission for Self-Sufficiency in Pulses. Aimed at boosting production, pulses cultivation, and crop diversification, the schemes will run until 2030-31. PM Modi underscored the significance of group farming, millet cultivation, and nutritional security, while inaugurating 1,054 projects and honoring farmers certified under the National Mission for Natural Farming, MAITRIs, and PACS.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Oct 11, 2025) launched two major central government schemes with a combined outlay of ₹35,440 crore, aimed at transforming 100 low-performing agricultural districts and boosting pulse production to reduce dependence on imports. Speaking at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute before a gathering of farmers and agricultural policymakers in New Delhi, he stated that while achieving self-sufficiency is essential, it is equally important to produce for the global market. He stressed the need to prioritize crops with the potential to lead in the international agricultural arena.
The two newly launched schemes—PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, with an allocation of ₹24,000 crore for 100 low-performing districts, and the Mission for Self-Sufficiency in Pulses, with ₹11,440 crore—will play a crucial role in this effort. The two schemes, which have already received Cabinet approval, are set to be implemented from the upcoming rabi (winter) season and will continue until 2030-31.
The Prime Minister also virtually inaugurated 1,054 completed projects worth over ₹5,450 crore and laid the foundation for 50 new projects valued at around ₹815 crore, covering sectors such as agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and food processing.
Focus on pulses and millets
The Prime Minister highlighted the nutritional importance of pulses, particularly for vegetarians, emphasizing that pulse cultivation not only enhances farmers’ incomes but also strengthens the country’s nutritional security. Under the Pulses Mission, PM Modi emphasized the need to expand pulses cultivation by 35 lakh hectares by 2030 to enhance production and achieve self-reliance. The mission aims to increase pulses output from the current 252.38 lakh tonnes to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-31, thereby reducing dependence on imports.
He promoted the concept of group farming, urging small and marginal farmers to pool their land, focus on high-value crops, improve productivity, reduce costs, and gain better access to markets.
PM Modi also discussed the government’s efforts to promote millets, including bajra (pearl millet) and jowar (sorghum), especially in regions facing water scarcity. Millet cultivation is not only continuing but gaining popularity due to growing market demand and increased health awareness. In areas with limited water, millets serve as a vital crop, and their presence in the global market is expanding rapidly. He further highlighted the indispensable role of farmers in making India self-reliant in food production, urging them to spearhead the nation’s journey toward becoming a developed country.
PM-DDKY Implementation
Under the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, efforts to increase farm output in low-productivity districts, will include measures like expanded irrigation facilities and promotion of crop diversification.
PM Modi stated that the PM-DDKY, inspired by the Aspirational Districts Programme, will focus on 100 low-performing agricultural districts and consolidate 36 schemes from various ministries. Among the 100 targeted districts, Uttar Pradesh has the largest share followed by Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
- Uttar Pradesh – 12 districts
- Maharashtra – 9 districts
- Madhya Pradesh – 8 districts
- Rajasthan – 8 districts
- Bihar – 7 districts
- Gujarat – 4 districts
- Tamil Nadu – 4 districts
- Andhra Pradesh – 4 districts
- Telangana – 4 districts
- Odisha – 4 districts
- West Bengal – 4 districts
- Assam – 3 districts
- Kerala – 3 districts
- Chhattisgarh – 3 districts
- Jharkhand – 2 districts
- Uttarakhand – 2 districts
- Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir – 2 districts
These districts were selected based on low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average access to credit.
To implement the program, 36 different schemes from 11 departments will be converged. PM Modi pointed out that while the phrase “36 ka aankda” often implies opposition between two entities, the government has successfully brought together 36 schemes under the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana to drive holistic development in the identified districts.
Farmer recognition
At the event, PM Modi presented certificates to farmers certified under the National Mission for Natural Farming, MAITRI technicians, and Primary Agriculture Cooperative Credit Societies (PACS) that were converted into Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSKs) and Common Service Centres (CSCs).
The occasion showcased key accomplishments under government initiatives, including 50 lakh farmer memberships across 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), with 1,100 FPOs reporting an annual turnover exceeding ₹1 crore in 2024-25.
Other notable achievements included the certification of 50,000 farmers under the National Mission for Natural Farming, 38,000 MAITRIs (Multi-Purpose AI Technicians in Rural India), and the sanctioning and operationalisation of more than 10,000 multipurpose and e-PACS for digitalisation. The government also focused on strengthening PACS, as well as dairy and fishery cooperative societies.
PM Modi interacted with farmers engaged in pulses cultivation, who have benefited from schemes promoting a value chain-based approach in agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries. The event was attended by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, and Minister of State for Agriculture Bhagirath Choudhary.
Read more:
Uttar Pradesh to contribute 10–12% of the country’s total pulses production
FAQs
1. What are the schemes launched by PM Modi and their objectives?
PM Modi launched PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Mission for Self-Sufficiency in Pulses to transform 100 low-performing agricultural districts, boost productivity, increase pulses production, promote crop diversification, and reduce import dependence.
2. What is the budget and implementation timeline of these schemes?
The combined outlay is ₹35,440 crore—₹24,000 crore for PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and ₹11,440 crore for the Pulses Mission. Both schemes will be implemented from the upcoming rabi (winter) season and continue until 2030-31.
3. Which districts are targeted and how were they selected?
A total of 100 districts have been identified based on low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average access to credit. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh have the highest number of targeted districts.
4. What measures and support will be provided to farmers?
The schemes include expanded irrigation, crop diversification, group farming, certification under the National Mission for Natural Farming, MAITRI technicians, PACS conversion to PMKSKs and CSCs, and strengthening FPOs, dairy, and fishery cooperatives.
5. What other crops and benefits are emphasized?
The government is promoting millets like bajra and jowar, especially in water-scarce regions. The initiatives aim to enhance farmers’ income, improve nutritional security, provide better market access, and contribute to India’s self-reliance in food production.
