Govt identifies 100 Aspirational Agriculture Districts, UP tops list, Pg8.

Key Highlights:

• The Centre has identified 100 Aspirational Agriculture Districts across 29 states and UTs under the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY).
• Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of selected districts with 12, followed by Maharashtra with 9.
• The government has appointed 100 Central Nodal Officers (CNOs) to monitor the scheme's performance.
• The scheme will be implemented through the convergence of 36 schemes from 11 departments, with an estimated annual investment of ₹24,000 crore.

Detailed Insights:

• The PMDDKY aims to improve agricultural productivity and farmer incomes in identified districts.
• Selection criteria for aspirational districts include low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average access to credit.
• The number of districts selected per state is based on net cropped area and number of operational holdings.
• A district agriculture development plan will be prepared for each selected district, integrating various existing schemes.
• The scheme focuses on balanced regional development and fostering agricultural growth through targeted interventions.
• The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will contribute a maximum of 19 schemes to the district agriculture development plans.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Aspirational Districts: Underdeveloped districts that require focused interventions for rapid transformation.
• Crop Intensity: The number of crops raised on a field during an agricultural year.
• Convergence: The integration of multiple schemes and resources to achieve common objectives.