🌾 Topic Name: All-in-One: Unpacking the Prime Minister Dhan‑Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
🟡 Introduction & Context
India’s agrarian economy is at a critical juncture. To reinvigorate farm productivity, reduce crop losses, and strengthen rural livelihoods, the Union Cabinet recently approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY). Aimed at transforming 100 low-performing agricultural districts through a ₹24,000 crore, six-year initiative, the scheme seeks to converge interventions from multiple ministries and engage local communities in planning implementation.
🔵 Constitutional Context
While agriculture falls under State List (Entry 14, Schedule VII), the scheme aligns closely with various constitutional commitments:
Article 21A: Ensures the Right to Education—training and awareness under PMDDKY enhances agricultural knowledge.
Directive Principles (Article 39(b) & (c)): Mandate that the State shall direct policy to ensure fair distribution of resources and equal livelihood measures—PMDDKY supports this principle.
Article 46: Promotes the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other socially disadvantaged sections—PMDDKY’s focus on backward, tribal districts reinforces this.
Cooperative federalism (Panchayats, Article 243): The scheme empowers district panchayats via District Dhan-Dhaanya Samitis, reflecting decentralized governance.
🟢 Key Topics & Features
District-centric planning: Localised Agriculture & Allied Activities Plans prepared by district committees including progressive farmers (Reference Press Information Bureau+10The Indian Express+10Organiser+10.)
Convergence of schemes: Integrates 36 central schemes across 11 ministries, along with state and private partnerships APAC
Selection criteria: Districts chosen based on low productivity, cropping intensity, and institutional credit (Reference- pmdhandhaanyakrishi.com+8The Indian Express+8Prime Minister of India+8.)
Five-pronged pillars:
Increasing productivity with climate-smart practices;
Crop diversification (pulses, oilseeds, horticulture);
Post-harvest infrastructure (cold storage, godowns);
Irrigation & water management;
Long & short-term credit facilitation (Reference- Wikipedia+11Organiser+11Press Information Bureau+11Swarajyamag+8The Indian Express+8Devdiscourse+8.)
Monitoring mechanism: 117 KPIs tracked via digital dashboard; oversight by district/state/national committees alongside NITI Aayog (Reference – Devdiscourse+7Devdiscourse+7Rozana Spokesman+7.)
Objective: Boost yields, incomes, food security, and rural self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) (Reference- Press Information Bureau+9Devdiscourse+9APAC Media+9.)
The Hindu PDF News Analysis Notes | The Hindu PDF Download 17 July 2025
📚 Hard Word Meanings (Hindi & English)
| Term | English Definition | हिंदी अर्थ |
|---|---|---|
| Convergence | Bringing different schemes/policies together | एकत्रीकरण |
| Agrarian | Relating to agriculture or rural land | कृषि-सम्बंधित |
| Diversification | Practice of growing a variety of crops | विविधीकरण |
| Pillar | A supporting element or principle of a policy or system | स्तम्भ / मूल आधार |
| Institutional credit | Loans provided by banks and formal financial institutions | संस्थागत ऋण |
| Panchayat | Local self-government body at village level | पंचायत |
| Self-reliance | Being able to support oneself without external help | आत्मनिर्भरता |
| Climate-resilient | Ability to withstand climate stress and changes | जलवायु-सहिष्णु |
| Key Performance Indicator (KPI) | Quantitative measure to evaluate performance | मुख्य प्रदर्शन सूचकांक |
🎯 8 MCQs for UPSC, SSC, UPPSC & RRB Aspirants
Which of the following is NOT a selection criteria for PMDDKY districts?
A. Low cropping intensity
B. Low agricultural productivity
C. High urbanization rate ✅
D. Low institutional creditDistrict-level implementation is planned through which of the following bodies?
A. District Rural Development Agency
B. District Dhan-Dhaanya Samiti ✅
C. District Planning Committee
D. Panchayat Extension to Scheduled AreasWhich constitutional Article mandates state policy to distribute resources fairly and ensure a decent standard of living?
A. Article 46
B. Article 39(b) & (c) ✅
C. Article 19(1)(g)
D. Article 21AHow many central schemes will PMDDKY converge?
A. 11
B. 36 ✅
C. 100
D. 50One objective of PMDDKY focuses on promoting crop diversification. Which crops are emphasized?
A. Only rice and wheat
B. Oilseeds, pulses, horticulture ✅
C. Cash crops only
D. Plantation cropsWhich monitoring tool will track PMDDKY implementation?
A. Periodic SMS updates
B. Digital dashboard with 117 KPIs ✅
C. Postal surveys
D. Manual district reportsUnder PMDDKY, credit facilitation includes:
A. Only short-term loans
B. Only long-term loans
C. Both short- and long-term credit ✅
D. Microloans only via NGOsWhich principle of governance does PMDDKY strengthen through district-level planning?
A. Centralization
B. Cooperative federalism ✅
C. Judicial review
D. Market economy
🧠 Exam Relevance
GS Paper II (Governance & IR): Showcases federal architecture, scheme convergence, and agricultural policy.
GS Paper III (Economy & Environment): Discusses climate-resilient agriculture, rural credit systems, and water use.
GS Paper IV (Ethics): Involves equitable access, inclusion of marginalized farmers, and data-driven oversight.
UPPSC/RRB: Focus on district administration structures and public policy implementation.
RPSC Various Post Recruitment 2025 – Apply Online for Multiple Vacancies | Rojgar Result
