In a major push to strengthen India’s rural economy and make agriculture more self-reliant, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today rolled out two landmark initiatives — the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission (Pulses Self-Reliance Mission) — with a combined outlay of ₹35,440 crore. Addressing farmers at a special Krishi programme at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said the new schemes are designed to empower farmers, promote innovation, and ensure long-term food and nutritional security.
Alongside these, Modi inaugurated and dedicated to the nation projects worth ₹5,450 crore across agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and food processing sectors, while laying foundation stones for additional projects totaling ₹815 crore. The twin launches are seen as part of a broader rural transformation strategy, integrating technology, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, backed by ₹24,000 crore, will cover 100 aspirational agricultural districts by bringing together 36 government schemes under one coordinated framework. Drawing inspiration from the Aspirational Districts Programme, the scheme aims to ensure convergence of efforts across departments and encourage local innovation. District-level plans will be tailored to local soil, water, and crop conditions, with a strong focus on productivity, sustainability, and market access.
The Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission, with an outlay of ₹11,440 crore, seeks to expand the area under pulse cultivation by 35 lakh hectares, benefitting nearly two crore pulse farmers. It targets enhanced production of tur, urad, and masoor, while ensuring procurement support and fair pricing. Modi underscored that the mission will not only bolster India’s nutritional security but also reduce dependence on pulse imports.
Over the past decade, India’s agricultural performance has shown a sharp upward trajectory — foodgrain output is up by 90 million tonnes, fruit and vegetable production by 64 million tonnes, and the country now leads globally in milk production and ranks second in fisheries. More than 25 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed, 100 lakh hectares brought under micro-irrigation, and ₹2 lakh crore disbursed under PM Fasal Bima Yojana.
Highlighting the rising participation of women in agriculture, Modi pointed to the success of Namo Drone Didis, the creation of three crore Lakhpati Didis, and the engagement of 70,000 ‘Krishi Sakhis’ promoting natural farming across 17,000 clusters. “Trained ‘Krishi Sakhis’ are actively providing guidance to farmers on adopting natural and eco-friendly agricultural practices,” added Modi.
“The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission will sow the seeds of prosperity, innovation, and self-reliance in every Indian village,” Modi said, urging farmers to adopt technology, diversify crops, and aim for export-led growth to help India achieve its vision of becoming a developed nation.