The Union Cabinet has unveiled a landmark ₹24,000 crore annual initiative, the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), set to revitalise agriculture across 100 districts starting from the fiscal year 2025-26. This comprehensive scheme, converging 36 existing programmes, aims to significantly enhance farm productivity, promote sustainable practices, and fortify post-harvest infrastructure. Concurrently, the Cabinet has also dramatically increased the investment capacity for state-owned energy giants NTPC Ltd and NLC India Ltd (NLCIL) in the renewable energy sector, signalling a decisive shift towards a greener, more self-reliant India.
The PMDDKY stands as a pioneering endeavour, uniquely focused on transforming the agricultural landscape at the grassroots level. It is designed to uplift farmers by improving irrigation facilities and facilitating easier access to crucial short and long-term credit. The selection of the 100 districts will be meticulously based on indicators such as low agricultural productivity, moderate crop density, and below-average credit parameters, ensuring that support reaches those areas most in need of intervention. This targeted approach is expected to usher in a new era of prosperity for approximately 17 million farmers over the next six years, with implementation commencing in August. This strategic convergence of schemes under a unified framework underscores a commitment to streamlining efforts and maximising the impact on rural livelihoods, fostering a truly equitable agricultural ecosystem.
Beyond agriculture, the Cabinet’s robust endorsement of increased financial autonomy for public sector undertakings in the clean energy domain marks a pivotal moment. NTPC Ltd, through its subsidiary NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL), now possesses the authority to invest an impressive ₹20,000 crore in renewable energy projects, a substantial increase from its previous ₹7,500 crore cap. Similarly, NLCIL has been empowered to commit ₹7,000 crore towards its clean energy initiatives. These substantial investments are poised to accelerate India’s green energy transition, fostering widespread employment opportunities and bolstering the domestic manufacturing ecosystem for renewable energy components.
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This dual focus on agricultural revitalisation and renewable energy expansion underscores India’s dedication to integrating environmentally conscious policies with inclusive rural development. The nation has already achieved a significant milestone, reaching 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, a remarkable five years ahead of its 2030 target under the Paris Agreement. This achievement highlights the accelerated pace of India’s clean energy drive, demonstrating a clear pathway towards a low-carbon economy. The synergistic approach of enhancing farm productivity while concurrently investing in sustainable energy infrastructure aims to create not just economically viable but also ecologically resilient communities, setting a global precedent for holistic national development. The vision is to cultivate a future where rural ambitions are met with green solutions, fostering vibrant, sustainable, and equitable living environments for all citizens.
Delhi Approves Rs 24000 Cr Farm Plan and Hikes NTPC Green Energy Limit
