PM Scheme for 100 agri districts gets nod

The Union cabinet has approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), a scheme to develop 100 agricultural districts through the convergence of 36 schemes of 11 ministries.The scheme has an outlay of ₹24,000 crore per year, said information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, adding that it would be implemented for six years beginning with the current financial year. A master plan for implementation of PMDDKY, which will include agriculture and allied activities, will be drawn up for every district, he added. The plan will be prepared by District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti headed by the Collector."The district plans will be aligned to the national goals of crop diversification, conservation of water and soil health, self-sufficiency in agriculture and allied sectors as well as expansion of natural and organic farming," an official statement said.The plans will be based on extensive consultations and understanding cropping patterns and allied activities as per agro-climatic conditions. Committees will be set up at the district, state and national levels for their effective implementation. Central Nodal Officers will be appointed for field visits, review and monitoring. Every district will have central and state agriculture universities as technical knowledge partners.The 100 districts will be selected on the basis of three parameters - low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average credit parameters. At least one district from each state will be selected.

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