Scheme aims to transform farming landscape in South Goa; promises crop diversification, sustainable practices, enhanced post-harvest and market support
PWD Minister Digambar Kamat launching the Prime Minister’s Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana scheme for South Goa district at Margao on Saturday.
MARGAO
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana scheme was on Saturday launched in South Goa district by PWD Minister Digambar Kamat, with the scheme promising to make farming easier, modern and more profitable.
South Goa district is one of the 100 aspirational agriculture districts announced under the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), aiming to boost farm productivity and rural prosperity.
The scheme converges budgets of 36 existing schemes from 11 departments, including Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (cash transfers), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance), and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (irrigation) with an annual outlay of Rs 24,000 crore from 2025-26 to 2030-31, totalling Rs 1.44 lakh crore.
Around 40 per cent of the outlay is earmarked for subsidies, 30 per cent for infrastructure, 20 per cent for loans, and 10 per cent for training and market support.
The key objectives of the scheme includes enhancing agricultural productivity and farmer income; promoting crop diversification and sustainable farming practices; expanding post-harvest storage and value addition; support women, youth, and allied sectors (e.g., dairy, fisheries, poultry) to diversify income sources; to achieve self-sufficiency in foodgrains, pulses and oilseeds to reduce India’s dependence on imports and strengthening irrigation infrastructure and improving access to both long-term and short-term agricultural credit.
After launching the scheme, Kamat said the younger generation will return back to agriculture only if they find it viable. “The younger generations have stopped going to agriculture for the simple reason that it is no more attractive. The PM’s scheme promises to turn the tide by giving a big boost to agriculture. In Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s government has been giving huge importance to revive agriculture,” Kamat said.
He added: “With the PM’s scheme having an outlay of Rs 1.44 lakh core, I am confidence that this will definitely give a big boost to agriculture and bring back the younger generation back to agriculture.”
Recalling his recent meeting with Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik, Kamat said he has underscored the need to boost coconut production and marketing of the produce.
The PWD Minister pointed out that unlike big states, Goa basically plays host to thousands of marginal farmers who eke a living on the farming activity. “These marginal farmers are in need of government help, assistance and support,” he asserted.
In his address, Agriculture Director Sandeep Faldesai said the Prime Minister’s scheme implemented in South Goa district has the potential to multiply the income of farmers for the next six years.
“There’s huge allocation of funds under the scheme, around Rs 1.44 lakh crore. The central government has come out with various schemes for agriculture to boost agriculture and to increase the income of farmers. The Centre not only comes out with the scheme, but monitor and review the schemes periodically,” he said.
