New Delhi (Economy India): In a landmark moment for India’s agrarian transformation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched two ambitious agricultural initiatives — the Pradhan Mantri Dhann Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) and the Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission (Pulses Self-Reliance Mission) — with a combined investment of ₹35,440 crore. The initiatives, unveiled at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, are designed to usher in a new age of farm productivity, crop diversification, and rural prosperity.
A Vision Rooted in Self-Reliance and Prosperity
Addressing a gathering of farmers, researchers, and agricultural stakeholders, PM Modi said,
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“These two schemes are not merely about increasing production — they are about empowering our farmers, ensuring nutrition for our families, and securing India’s place as a global agricultural powerhouse.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that both schemes mark a decisive shift from traditional subsidies toward strategic investment in rural development, building capacity “from seed to market.”
Prime Minister Dhann Dhanya Krishi Yojana: Reviving 100 Districts
With a massive ₹24,000 crore allocation, the PM Dhann Dhanya Krishi Yojana will target 100 aspirational districts, selected through three critical parameters:
Agricultural productivity per unit area,
Frequency of multiple cropping, and
Institutional credit and investment access.
Each district will receive customized development plans integrating 36 central and state-level initiatives — from irrigation and soil health to crop diversification, storage, and digital agriculture.
Key Features:
Multi-cropping and soil rejuvenation.
Smart irrigation and micro-irrigation expansion.
Creation of post-harvest infrastructure at block and panchayat levels.
Strengthening institutional credit and agri-finance linkages.
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) support and cooperative expansion.
PM Modi noted,
“The program takes inspiration from the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme, which transformed neglected regions into engines of growth.”
Pulses Self-Reliance Mission: Nutritional Security with a Purpose
The Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission, with a budget of ₹11,440 crore, aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses production — a crucial component of India’s food and nutritional security strategy.
Objectives:
Expansion of pulse cultivation area by 35 lakh hectares.
Boosting production of tur, urad, and masoor varieties.
Strengthening procurement and processing chains.
Ensuring minimum support prices (MSP) and timely government procurement.
Supporting 2 crore pulse farmers nationwide.
PM Modi observed,
“This mission is not just about producing pulses — it’s about strengthening the nutritional foundation of our future generations.”
PM Modi’s ₹35,440 Crore Agriculture Push: A New Era for Indian Farmers
India’s Agricultural Revolution: From Neglect to Nurture
PM Modi recalled how, for decades, Indian agriculture was “trapped in outdated practices and underinvestment.” Since 2014, his government has implemented structural reforms across seed quality, irrigation, credit, and market access.
17,000 natural farming clusters established across states.
Integrating 36 Schemes Under One Roof
The Dhann Dhanya Krishi Yojana will synchronize 36 different government programs — such as the National Mission on Natural Farming, Per Drop More Crop, Oilseeds Mission, and Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Fund — under a unified implementation model.
PM Modi remarked:
“For the first time, India will see such an integrated, district-focused agricultural transformation model — one that links farmers, administrators, and technology together.”
Rural Infrastructure and Project Launches Worth ₹5,450 Crore
The Prime Minister also inaugurated projects worth ₹5,450 crore, including:
Artificial Insemination Centres in Bengaluru and J&K.
Centres of Excellence in Amreli and Banaskantha.
Milk powder plants in Mehsana, Indore, and Bhilwara.
A fish feed plant in Tezpur, Assam.
Advanced cold chains and food processing clusters.
Additionally, projects worth ₹815 crore were inaugurated in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, including an Integrated Aqua Park in Hirakud.
PM Modi’s ₹35,440 Crore Agriculture Push: A New Era for Indian Farmers
Farmers’ Voices: On-Ground Transformations
Several farmers shared their experiences with the Prime Minister. From Andhra Pradesh’s pulse growers to Gujarat’s dairy cooperatives, participants testified how modern schemes like PM Kisan Samruddhi Kendras, FPO networks, and e-PACS have revolutionized rural livelihoods.
Economic and Policy Impact
Experts suggest that the twin schemes could add ₹2 lakh crore in cumulative value to India’s agricultural GDP over five years. Economists at NITI Aayog call it a “landmark step in de-risking Indian agriculture” by promoting crop diversification, value addition, and sustainable farming.
A Global Agricultural Vision
PM Modi concluded:
“The time has come for Indian farmers to think beyond self-reliance — to produce for the world. Our fields should feed not only our nation but also the global market.”
As India marches toward its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, these schemes promise to redefine agriculture — not just as a livelihood, but as the engine of India’s economic resurgence.
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