Introduction
Dhan Dhaanya Scheme Expansion in Tamil Nadu: The Dhan Dhaanya Scheme aims to enhance agricultural productivity and farmer income through integrated planning and sustainable resource management. Recently, the scheme was expanded to include four districts of Tamil Nadu — Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, Thoothukudi, and Virudhunagar — marking a significant step in strengthening southern India’s agricultural base.
Objective of the Scheme
The Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY) is designed to bring multiple agricultural schemes under one umbrella for efficient implementation and direct farmer benefit. The core objective is to provide converged agricultural support, including irrigation, crop insurance, soil health, and agri-infrastructure development.
Static GK fact: The term Dhan Dhaanya translates to “wealth and grain,” symbolizing prosperity through agriculture in Sanskrit.
Integration of Government Schemes
Under the expansion, 36 government schemes have been integrated into the project. This holistic model ensures that farmers can access credit, inputs, training, and market linkage from a single platform. Integration helps eliminate overlaps and ensures the efficient use of government funds.
The schemes merged include major ones like PM-KISAN, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), Soil Health Card Scheme, and National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
Role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras
A review meeting was held with the heads of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the newly added districts. These KVKs serve as Farm Science Centres that provide on-ground training, technology demonstrations, and extension activities to farmers. Their involvement ensures that the scheme’s benefits reach every farmer effectively.
Static GK Tip: The first Krishi Vigyan Kendra in India was established in 1974 in Pondicherry under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Expected Impact
The expansion of the Dhan Dhaanya Scheme is expected to benefit over 2 lakh farmers across the four Tamil Nadu districts. The initiative will enhance crop diversification, productivity, and soil health through the adoption of advanced technologies and integrated farming practices.
It also aims to improve water-use efficiency and reduce dependency on monsoon rainfall, especially in drought-prone districts like Ramanathapuram. By connecting farmers to agri-markets, the scheme promotes Atmanirbhar Krishi (self-reliant agriculture) in rural areas.
Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu ranks among the top ten Indian states in terms of gross value added from agriculture, contributing nearly 7% to India’s overall agricultural GDP.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Tamil Nadu’s southern districts under the Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana demonstrates a targeted approach to achieve inclusive and sustainable agricultural development. By uniting 36 schemes and leveraging the expertise of KVKs, the initiative strengthens the foundation for long-term rural prosperity and self-sufficiency.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Dhan Dhaanya Scheme Expansion in Tamil Nadu:
| Topic | Detail |
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana |
| Recently Added Districts | Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar |
| Number of Integrated Schemes | 36 |
| Objective | Integrated development of agriculture and farmer welfare |
| Key Implementing Body | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Major Linked Schemes | PM-KISAN, PMKSY, Soil Health Card, NMSA |
| Role of KVKs | Technology transfer, training, and farmer outreach |
| Number of Beneficiaries | Over 2 lakh farmers in Tamil Nadu |
| Focus Area | Sustainable agriculture and irrigation efficiency |
| Static GK Tip | First Krishi Vigyan Kendra established in 1974 at Pondicherry under ICAR |
