PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana Completes One Year: Gaya, Nagaur and Umaria Emerge as Best-Performing Districts

The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) has completed its first year, marking an important milestone in India’s efforts to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen rural infrastructure and increase farmers’ incomes. Launched on October 11, 2025, the programme covers 100 districts identified for relatively low agricultural productivity, low cropping intensity and limited agricultural credit disbursement.

At the first anniversary celebrations held in New Delhi on October 12, 2026, Gaya in Bihar secured first position, followed by Nagaur in Rajasthan and Umaria in Madhya Pradesh, in the overall district performance rankings. The Government also recognised 18 other districts for their achievements across six agricultural development priorities.

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called for a shift towards measurable outcomes during the scheme’s second year. He emphasised that improvements in farmers’ livelihoods, agricultural productivity and sustainable incomes must become the principal measures of its success.

PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana Targets 100 Agricultural Districts

Announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana seeks to address persistent agricultural challenges through coordinated planning and targeted interventions.

The programme integrates 36 Central Government schemes administered by 11 Ministries and Departments, alongside relevant State Government initiatives. Rather than introducing isolated development activities, it brings existing agricultural programmes together under a district-focused implementation framework.

The scheme concentrates on six major objectives: increasing agricultural productivity, encouraging crop diversification and sustainable farming, expanding post-harvest storage facilities, improving irrigation infrastructure, strengthening agricultural credit access and enhancing governance and service delivery.

Its district-centric approach allows local administrations to prepare agricultural development plans based on soil characteristics, rainfall patterns, cropping practices, water availability, existing infrastructure and farmers’ requirements. This framework recognises that agricultural challenges differ significantly across India’s geographical and climatic regions.

Gaya, Nagaur and Umaria Lead District Performance Rankings

The first anniversary programme recognised districts that demonstrated strong performance in implementing the scheme’s objectives.

Gaya district in Bihar received the top overall ranking, followed by Nagaur in Rajasthan in second position and Umaria in Madhya Pradesh in third position.

These rankings form part of a wider performance monitoring framework designed to encourage district administrations to improve agricultural planning, implementation and service delivery.

The Government also honoured 18 districts for exemplary work in specific agricultural development categories.

18 Districts Recognised Across Six Agricultural Development Objectives

Agricultural development objective	Recognised districts
Enhancing agricultural productivity	Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra; Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh; Geyzing, Sikkim
Crop diversification and sustainable agricultural practices	Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh; Dindori, Madhya Pradesh; Chamoli, Uttarakhand
Augmenting post-harvest storage capacity	Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh; Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh; Dantewada, Chhattisgarh
Improving irrigation infrastructure	Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir; Dahod, Gujarat; Chhota Udaipur, Gujarat
Expanding short-term and long-term agricultural credit	Narayanpet, Telangana; Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh; Sri Sathya Sai, Andhra Pradesh
Improving governance and agricultural service delivery	Nagarkurnool, Telangana; Kachchh, Gujarat; Haveri, Karnataka

The recognition highlights the contribution of district administrations, agricultural institutions and field-level organisations in addressing local farming challenges.

It also creates opportunities for other participating districts to study successful approaches and adapt suitable interventions to their own agricultural conditions.

Government to Focus on Measurable Agricultural Outcomes in Second Year

Addressing the anniversary programme at the National Agricultural Science Complex in Pusa, New Delhi, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the scheme’s first year had concentrated on establishing the institutional and administrative foundations required for implementation.

The second year, he said, must focus on translating these preparations into visible improvements in agricultural performance and farmers’ livelihoods.

The Minister identified higher crop productivity, increased cropping intensity, improved irrigation, better water management and expanded agricultural credit as important priorities.

He also called for greater attention to high-value agriculture, post-harvest infrastructure and sustainable farming practices that can strengthen farmers’ earnings.

Chouhan emphasised that administrative achievements and programme implementation alone cannot determine the scheme’s success. The ultimate assessment must consider whether agricultural interventions produce meaningful improvements in farmers’ lives.

He urged Central Ministries, State Governments, district administrations, agricultural scientists and farming communities to strengthen coordination and accelerate the implementation of district action plans.

District Performance Monitored Through 121 Indicators

A major feature of PMDDKY is its performance monitoring system, which evaluates participating districts against 121 indicators through a dedicated digital dashboard.

The system generates monthly district rankings, allowing administrators to monitor progress, identify implementation gaps and compare performance across participating districts.

During the anniversary programme, the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare highlighted the importance of this monitoring framework in improving accountability and encouraging constructive competition.

District Dhan-Dhaanya Samitis play an important role in coordinating agricultural development activities and ensuring that interventions reflect local priorities.

District Collectors, District Nodal Officers, Central Nodal Officers, Krishi Vigyan Kendra scientists and other field-level functionaries contribute to the programme’s planning and implementation.

The framework combines administrative oversight with technical agricultural expertise, helping districts identify practical solutions suited to their farming conditions.

Gadchiroli, Alluri Sitharama Raju and Banka Showcase Local Agricultural Innovations

The anniversary programme also provided an opportunity for three participating districts to present agricultural initiatives developed around their specific environmental and economic challenges.

Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra highlighted its work on water conservation and drought resilience. The initiatives demonstrated the importance of improving water availability and strengthening agricultural systems against irregular rainfall and water scarcity.

Alluri Sitharama Raju district in Andhra Pradesh presented initiatives promoting high-value horticulture. Such interventions seek to diversify agricultural production and expand opportunities for farmers beyond conventional field crops.

Banka district in Bihar showcased its Lilawaran Natural Farming Land Revival Model, which focuses on agricultural land revival through natural farming approaches.

The presentations illustrated how district administrations can combine government schemes, local knowledge, scientific guidance and farmers’ participation to develop location-specific agricultural solutions.

These examples also provide potential models for adaptation in other districts facing comparable challenges.

Khet Bachao Abhiyan to Promote Soil Health from October 22

Alongside the PMDDKY anniversary celebrations, Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a renewed focus on protecting agricultural soil health through the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, scheduled from October 22 to November 30, 2026.

The nationwide campaign will encourage farmers to adopt balanced and judicious fertiliser application practices.

Excessive or imbalanced fertiliser use can affect soil nutrient balance, while appropriate nutrient management helps maintain soil fertility and supports long-term agricultural productivity.

The Minister urged State Governments and agricultural authorities to actively participate in the campaign and promote sustainable farming practices.

The initiative will also emphasise the importance of conserving natural resources and protecting agricultural ecosystems for future generations.

Healthy soil remains essential for maintaining crop yields, improving nutrient efficiency and supporting resilient agricultural production. The campaign therefore complements PMDDKY’s broader emphasis on sustainable agricultural development.

Improving Irrigation, Storage and Agricultural Credit Access

The second year of PMDDKY will place greater emphasis on strengthening the infrastructure and financial services required for productive agriculture.

Improved irrigation facilities can help farmers manage rainfall uncertainty and cultivate additional crops where water availability permits. Better irrigation infrastructure can also contribute to higher cropping intensity and improved agricultural productivity.

Post-harvest storage remains another important priority. Expanding storage facilities at panchayat and block levels can help farmers manage harvested produce more effectively and reduce avoidable post-harvest losses.

Access to institutional agricultural credit is equally important for purchasing farm inputs, acquiring equipment and investing in productivity-enhancing infrastructure.

By coordinating existing Central and State schemes, PMDDKY seeks to improve the availability of short-term and long-term agricultural finance in districts where credit disbursement has historically remained limited.

The programme also promotes crop diversification and high-value agriculture, creating opportunities for farmers to explore cultivation practices suited to local market demand, water resources and agroclimatic conditions.

Together, these interventions aim to strengthen agricultural production systems while supporting more stable and sustainable farm incomes.

Government Seeks Stronger Coordination Between States and Agricultural Institutions

More than 370 delegates from participating states attended the first anniversary event, including District Collectors, agricultural scientists, progressive farmers and district-level officials.

The participation of representatives from several Central Ministries and Departments reflected the programme’s emphasis on coordinated implementation rather than isolated departmental activities.

Agricultural development frequently requires simultaneous improvements in irrigation, credit, infrastructure, extension services and market-related facilities. Effective coordination between these activities can help district administrations address interconnected challenges more efficiently.

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to working with State Governments, scientific institutions and farmers to strengthen district action plans and expand successful interventions.

Progressive farmers also have an important role in the process. Their practical experience can help other farming communities understand suitable agricultural practices and evaluate approaches already tested under local conditions.

Knowledge-sharing between districts, agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and farming communities will remain an important part of the programme’s implementation.

PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana Enters Second Year with Focus on Farmers’ Prosperity

The completion of PMDDKY’s first year marks the transition from establishing district-level implementation systems towards achieving measurable improvements in agricultural development.

The recognition of Gaya, Nagaur, Umaria and 18 other districts demonstrates the Government’s emphasis on performance-based assessment and the exchange of successful agricultural practices.

During its second year, the programme will concentrate on translating district action plans into improvements in crop productivity, irrigation access, post-harvest infrastructure, agricultural credit and sustainable farming.

The integration of 36 Central schemes across 100 districts provides an institutional framework for addressing agricultural challenges through coordinated action.

With stronger district-level implementation, scientific agricultural support and active farmers’ participation, PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana aims to transform the identified districts into centres of agricultural productivity, sustainability and rural prosperity.

The Government’s stated vision is to make all 100 participating districts truly Dhan-Dhaanya — rich in agricultural production and prosperous in the livelihoods they support.

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References

1. Press Information Bureau, Government of India
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana Completes One Year
Published: October 12, 2026
Release ID: 2322267
www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2322267

2. Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India
Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana — Programme Objectives, District-Level Implementation and Performance Monitoring.
agricoop.gov.in

3. Ministry of Finance, Government of India
Union Budget 2025–26 — Agriculture and Rural Development Initiatives.
www.indiabudget.gov.in

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