New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched two major agricultural schemes, Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY) and Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, with a combined outlay of Rs 35,440 crore on Saturday. The launch took place during a special Krishi program at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Loknayak Jaiprakash Narayan.
The Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, with a Rs 24,000 crore outlay, aims to enhance agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification, and encourage sustainable agricultural practices in 100 low-performing districts. The scheme also seeks to improve irrigation facilities, enhance post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block levels, and ensure the availability of long-term and short-term credit. Modelled on the Aspirational Districts Programme, the PM-DDKY integrates 36 existing government schemes, including the National Mission on Natural Farming, the Per Drop More Crop campaign, and the Oilseeds Mission, with a special focus on livestock development.
The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, with an allocation of Rs 11,440 crore, is dedicated to achieving self-reliance in pulse production. The scheme aims to increase productivity levels and expand the cultivation area of pulses by 35 lakh hectares by 2030. It also focuses on strengthening the entire value chain, covering essential components such as procurement, efficient storage, and processing, while working to minimize post-harvest losses. The mission targets raising pulses output from the current 252.38 lakh tonnes to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-31. The initiative focuses on tur, urad, and masoor pulses, ensuring systematic procurement and market support, benefiting nearly two crore pulse farmers.
In addition to launching the schemes, PM Modi inaugurated projects valued at over Rs 5,450 crore in agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and food processing sectors. He also laid the foundation stone for additional projects worth around Rs 815 crore. These projects included initiatives such as Artificial Insemination Training Centers, Centers of Excellence, IVF Labs, Milk Powder Plants, Fish Feed Plants, and infrastructure for agro-processing clusters, integrated cold chains, and value addition infrastructure. Some of the projects for which foundation stones were laid included Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh; Trout Fisheries in Uttarakhand; Integrated Aqua Park in Nagaland; Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour in Puducherry; and a State-of-the-art Integrated Aquapark in Odisha.
During his address, PM Modi emphasized the critical role of farmers in realizing the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. He urged farmers to diversify beyond wheat and rice, focusing on pulses to ensure protein security. He also highlighted the progress achieved since 2014, noting that foodgrain production has increased by 90 million metric tonnes, fruit and vegetable output has risen by over 64 million metric tonnes, and India has become the second-largest fish producer globally. Farm exports have doubled. Furthermore, six major fertilizer plants were established, 25 crore Soil Health Cards were distributed, and micro-irrigation facilities were expanded to 100 lakh hectares. Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, insurance claims worth Rs 2 lakh crore were disbursed. Over 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) were formed to strengthen market access and cooperation among farmers.
PM Modi attacked previous governments for neglecting the agricultural sector and lacking vision for its growth. He asserted that the current government is committed to doubling farmers' incomes and achieving food and nutritional security for the country. The two schemes will be implemented from the upcoming rabi (winter) season until 2030-31.
