Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced a major agricultural initiative aimed at transforming farming outcomes in underperforming regions of India. The “Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana”, approved by the Union Cabinet, will target 100 districts over the next six years, beginning 2025-26, with the goal of increasing crop productivity and farmer incomes.

Sharing the announcement on X, PM Modi said, “We are committed to bringing a significant change in the lives of our farmer brothers and sisters. This scheme will not only enhance crop production in lagging districts but also boost the income of our food providers.”

Inspired by the Aspirational District Programme, this is the first central scheme to focus solely on agriculture and allied sectors. It aims to drive crop diversification, improve post-harvest infrastructure, boost irrigation, and enhance credit access for farmers.

The scheme will work through the convergence of 36 existing schemes from 11 departments, along with state initiatives and private sector partnerships.

Districts will be selected based on three criteria: low productivity, low cropping intensity, and limited agricultural credit access. Every state and Union Territory will have at least one district included.

In a related development, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a Rs 20,000 crore outlay for NTPC Ltd to expand renewable energy capacity through its subsidiary and joint ventures. This move, PM Modi said, will support India's clean energy goals and generate jobs across construction and operational phases.

The renewable energy push and the agricultural scheme together reflect the government’s broader vision of sustainable development, rural upliftment, and self-reliance.