PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana 2026: Eligibility, Benefits & Application Process

The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) 2025 is one of India’s most ambitious agricultural transformation missions, designed to uplift underperforming farming districts and empower over 1.7 crore farmers. Launched in July 2025 with an annual budget of ₹24,000 crore, the six-year program aims to reshape Indian agriculture through innovation, credit access, sustainable practices, and direct market linkage.

This scheme goes beyond subsidies—it is a vision for self-reliant agriculture. Imagine a village where farmers achieve higher productivity, women lead agri-enterprises, and crops move directly from farms to national markets. PMDDKY attempts to turn this dream into a functioning reality by converging 36 central schemes across 11 ministries into one unified, result-driven model.

About PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana 2025

The program focuses on 100 low-performing agricultural districts across India, targeting systemic issues that traditionally limit farm income. By integrating departments like Agriculture, Rural Development, Food Processing, Women & Child Development, and Skill Development, PMDDKY offers holistic support—crop productivity, irrigation, training, FPO strengthening, post-harvest infrastructure, and digital market access.

Objectives of the Scheme

PMDDKY is engineered to address both short-term challenges and long-term sustainability. The program aims to increase crop productivity by 20–30% in selected districts through technological upgrades and scientific interventions. It promotes crop diversification, encouraging farmers to move from traditional grains to high-value horticulture, pulses, oilseeds, and allied sectors like dairy, poultry, and honey production. A major support measure is the provision of microfinance loans ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh at subsidized interest rates, enabling small and marginal farmers to invest confidently. Irrigation modernization, expansion of storage systems, and direct market access through digital platforms ensure stable income and reduced post-harvest losses.

Who is Eligible?

The scheme covers farmers and agricultural workers in the identified 100 districts. The government focuses on maximizing outreach and ensuring that at least 90% of eligible individuals register. The primary beneficiaries include:

• Small and marginal farmers owning less than 2 hectares of land
• Women farmers and landless agricultural laborers
• Members of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
• Rural youth involved in agriculture or allied sectors

Special campaigns and awareness programs are conducted at village and block levels to bring every deserving farmer into the scheme's fold.

State Coverage

The scheme distributes its benefits across selected low-performing districts. For example:

• Uttar Pradesh – 12 districts
• Maharashtra – 9 districts
• Bihar – 7 districts

Key Features & Benefits

PMDDKY aims to break traditional agricultural challenges and create future-ready farmers. Its benefits include subsidies, credit support, technology adoption, and better price realization. Farmers receive between 50–80% subsidy on essential inputs including seeds, fertilizers, and modern implements. Credit becomes more accessible through Kisan Credit Cards and NABARD loans. The crop insurance component minimizes losses due to droughts, floods, or climate issues. Digital market platforms like e-NAM and PMDDKY apps allow farmers to sell directly at competitive prices.

The scheme also addresses post-harvest concerns by improving storage, cold-chain transportation, and scientific warehouses. Training is another core pillar—farmers receive free workshops on precision farming, agri-business, food processing, value addition (cheese, pickles, jam, honey), and branding. Women benefit from dedicated microfinance support, enterprise development, and leadership roles within FPOs.

Documents Required

• Aadhaar card
• Land ownership or lease documents
• Bank account details
• Kisan Credit Card (if available)
• Address proof (ration card, voter ID, electricity bill)
• Passport-size photographs
• Caste certificate (if applicable)

How to Apply for PMDDKY 2025

The application process is designed to be farmer-friendly, offering both online and offline options. Applicants may visit the PMDDKY portal, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), District Collector offices, or Gram Panchayats for registration support. Farmers need to verify whether their district is included under the scheme and gather all relevant documents before applying.

Registration takes place through Aadhaar verification followed by submission of land records, crop details, caste credentials, and FPO documentation when relevant. After submitting the form and uploading documents, farmers receive an acknowledgement number. Benefits are released after document verification and district-level approval. The government encourages early applications to avoid last-day congestion.

Women Empowerment Under PMDDKY

Women play a central role in agricultural transformation. PMDDKY supports women farmers through enterprise development, microfinance, training in agri-business, and leadership positions within FPOs. It facilitates women-led marketplaces where rural women can independently sell agricultural products and processed goods, boosting income and social independence.

Economic and Social Impact

The scheme is expected to uplift 1.7 crore farmers by increasing their income, reducing dependency on middlemen, and promoting sustainable farming. Youth participation in agriculture is projected to increase due to incentives and skill training. Post-harvest losses are expected to drop below 5%, significantly boosting profitability. By encouraging better soil and water management, PMDDKY sets the foundation for long-term ecological stability as well.

Implementation Model

PMDDKY follows a convergence model integrating 36 central schemes. Coordination takes place through local administrations, agricultural universities, the private sector, and 100 Central Nodal Officers. NITI Aayog plays a major role in monitoring district-level outcomes. This structured model ensures that resources are effectively utilized and outcomes are measurable.

Latest Updates

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted the synergy between PMDDKY and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses. These programs aim to modernize farming, strengthen agricultural credit reforms, improve soil health, and reduce dependency on imports. Farmers are set to gain from GST relaxation on key equipment and better access to quality seeds and fertilizers.

Conclusion

PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana 2025 marks a new era for Indian agriculture. Through structured interventions, transparent funding, and empowerment at every level, the scheme builds a self-reliant farming ecosystem. For farmers living in selected districts, PMDDKY offers a historic opportunity to improve productivity, income, and future prospects. It is not just a scheme—it is the beginning of a more prosperous rural India.

Important Links

• Official Portal: https://pmddky.gov.in
• Ministry of Agriculture: https://agricoop.nic.in