The state-level launch of the PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses was held today at the Directorate of Agriculture in Kohima.
MLA and Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan in his speech highlighted that the launch marks a “significant milestone” for the nation. He outlined the event’s dual focus: celebrating national achievements and initiating key projects in animal husbandry, fisheries, and food processing.
The legislator also highlighted a critical challenge on Nagaland’s consistent failure to avail itself of centrally sponsored schemes. He pointed out that despite substantial financial allocations, the state has often seen “no takers” for these programs, citing a specific scheme from 2020 as an example which no one took.
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He attributed this gap to “procedural difficulties and a lack of technological advancement”, urging stakeholders to break free from traditional systems. “Why are the stakeholders not coming forward to take advantage of these facilities? To progress, you must embrace the vast potential these schemes offer,” he stated.
Praising the PMDDKY for its clear objectives to modernize agriculture, Yanthan noted that while only one district – Mon- was selected initially, but he said that all 16 districts of Nagaland also qualified in their own ways.
He emphasized that the program’s success hinges on meticulous implementation from the outset. Calling for unified effort, he instructed all line departments to work together and educate every stakeholder and farmer to ensure the scheme is executed in its “true spirit” at every level.
Earlier, the keynote address was delivered by Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) V Shankhank Shekhar.
A significant moment of pride for the state was the felicitation of Menphong, a farmer from Mon district, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the main launching event in New Delhi.
It was informed that a five-member delegation from Nagaland, comprising a natural farming farmer, an FPO representative, two officers, and a KVK scientist, attended the national launching program.
The event, chaired by director Agriculture, Sanuzo Nienu, later featured the live streaming of the national ceremony where Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the schemes and laid the foundation stone for over 1100 projects under the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund.
The Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) is a focused agricultural development program for 100 low-performing districts, such as Mon in Nagaland. It operates by converging 36 existing schemes from 11 ministries without a separate budget.
Key Features:
– Objective: To boost productivity, promote crop diversification, improve storage, strengthen irrigation, increase credit access, and enhance governance.
– Governance: A three-tier structure—National Steering Committee, State-Level Committees, and District Dhan Dhaanya Samitis (DDDS) headed by the Deputy Commissioner.
– Implementation: The DDDS will create a District Action Plan, due by 31st October 2025, and a 5-year plan by the end of this year.
– Support: NITI Aayog provides strategic guidance, Agricultural Universities offer technical expertise, and an IT-enabled Agri Graduate (funded via CSR) manages coordination.
– Monitoring: Performance is tracked monthly using 117 KPIs on a digital dashboard, leading to district rankings and awards. Third-party audits ensure transparency.
– Launch: The scheme will be launched on 11th October 2025 in New Delhi, with simultaneous events at all district HQs and KVKs featuring a live address by the Prime Minister.
