NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled two major agricultural schemes worth ₹35,440 crore aimed at revitalising 100 underperforming districts and boosting pulse production to reduce dependence on imports.
The schemes like PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission, were launched at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute. Their goals include enhancing agricultural infrastructure, increasing farmer incomes, improving nutrition, and achieving self-reliance in pulse production.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi stressed the need for agricultural self-sufficiency. He encouraged farmers to shift focus to high-demand crops and to leverage India’s growing presence in global agricultural markets. He also emphasised the vitality of the tech ecosystem in enhancing farming practices.
One key feature of the new schemes is their targeted approach. The 100 districts selected under PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana are those identified as having lagged in agricultural performance. Integrated district-level agriculture plans will be prepared, pooling efforts across departments to ensure cohesive implementation.
The Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission will focus specifically on increasing pulse output. Uttar Pradesh is expected to play a significant role, contributing 10-12% of India’s pulse production targets under the mission.
Farmers at the meeting welcomed the initiatives. Alongside the Prime Minister, officials and agricultural experts called the schemes a stride toward greater food security and economic stability for farming communities.
These policy moves follow previous efforts to strengthen farmer welfare, including improvements in crop insurance, subsidies, and infrastructure. Analysts believe the new measures could help close gaps in productivity, particularly in rain-fed and resource-poor regions.
With implementation underway, attention will also be on how state governments mobilise resources and adapt schemes to local agro-climatic conditions. Success will depend on effective coordination, farmer outreach, seed and input quality, and monitoring at district levels.
