Recently, the Finance Minister has announced the launch of PMDKY during the Union Budget speech.

• About PMDKY: Inspired by the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), which aimed to uplift 112 underdeveloped districts through Convergence, Collaboration, and Competition.
• ADP, launched in 2018, measured progress across 49 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in five socio-economic areas- Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development & Infrastructure.
• Coverage: The scheme will cover 100 districts, identified based on three parameters- Low agricultural productivity, Moderate crop intensity & Below-average credit access.
• Objectives: The scheme aims to enhance agricultural productivity → Promote crop diversification & sustainable agriculture → Improve post-harvest storage at the Panchayat & block level → Develop irrigation facilities → Facilitate access to long-term & short-term credit
• Implementation: The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare will collect data to identify target districts.

o The Department of Financial Services & NABARD will provide farm credit data.

• Funding: No separate budget allocation has been announced. Funds will be pooled from existing schemes under the Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
• Expected Impact: The scheme is expected to benefit 1.7 crore farmers, improving agricultural sustainability and rural development.