Why in news?
At a special agriculture programme on 11 October 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched two major initiatives: the Pradhan Mantri Dhan‑Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses. Together they involve an investment of ₹35,440 crore to boost agricultural productivity and achieve self‑reliance in pulses.
Background
Agriculture remains the backbone of India’s economy, but many districts lag behind in yields, infrastructure and diversification. India also imports large quantities of pulses to meet domestic demand. The new schemes draw inspiration from the successful Aspirational Districts Programme and aim to transform under‑performing areas while strengthening food security.
Main components
- Pradhan Mantri Dhan‑Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: With an outlay of ₹24,000 crore, this scheme will focus on 100 low‑performing agricultural districts identified on the basis of crop output, cropping intensity and irrigation facilities. It will provide investment for irrigation, storage, mechanisation, soil health and value addition.
- Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: Allocated ₹11,440 crore, the mission aims to expand the area under pulses to about 310 lakh hectares and raise production to 441 lakh tonnes by 2030–31. It will supply quality seeds, encourage inter‑cropping, promote micro‑irrigation and support Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
- Convergence and competition: Both schemes will use a convergence model, pooling resources from central and state programmes. Districts and states will be encouraged to compete and share best practices to accelerate progress.
Expected benefits
These initiatives are designed to increase farmers’ incomes, reduce imports of pulses and modernise rural infrastructure. By targeting lagging districts with tailored interventions and by supporting pulses cultivation, the programmes could contribute to food and nutritional security while also creating jobs in agri‑processing and logistics.
Source: Press Information Bureau