The central government made a historic decision on Wednesday to strengthen the country's agriculture and energy sectors. The government approved three major schemes with a budget of over 50,000 crore rupees. The largest of these is the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), designed to take farming to new heights. Alongside this, two major schemes have been introduced for the renewable energy sector, with significant funding allocated to NTPC Green Energy and NLC India Renewables Limited.
What is the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana?
The Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana was announced in the central budget for the financial year 2025-26. The scheme was approved by the cabinet on Wednesday. The goal of the scheme is to make 100 selected districts self-reliant in the agricultural sector. Under this, 36 different schemes from 11 ministries will be integrated and implemented. These districts have been selected based on parameters such as the decline in agricultural productivity, crop density, and the availability of credit.
At least one district from every state
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav informed that at least one district from every state will be included in the scheme. Its aim is to strengthen the agricultural infrastructure at the local level and improve the income of farmers.
Expenditure of 24,000 crore every year for six years
Under this scheme, the government will spend around 24,000 crore rupees every year for the next six years. This is expected to directly benefit more than 1.7 crore farmers. The main focus of the scheme will be on crop production, irrigation, storage, agricultural credit, and sustainable farming.
What is the objective of the scheme?
- Increase agricultural productivity
- Diversify crops
- Expand irrigation facilities
- Strengthen post-harvest facilities
- Easy availability of credit to farmers
- Promote sustainable farming
NTPC Green Energy to receive an investment of 20,000 crore
The government has approved an investment of 20,000 crore rupees in NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL). This company is the green energy arm of NTPC, India's largest power producer. This investment will promote renewable projects such as solar, wind, and green hydrogen.
Current status and targets of NIRL
NIRL is currently operating seven projects with a capacity of 1,400 MW. The company aims to achieve a renewable energy capacity of 10 GW by 2030. It will now operate as an independent green energy unit of NLC.
Current capacity and targets of NGEL
Currently, NGEL has an operational capacity of 6 GW and projects of 26 GW are in the pipeline. The government aims to reach a capacity of 60 GW by 2032. This investment will further strengthen NTPC's leadership in green energy.
NLC India Renewables Limited to receive 7,000 crore
The government has also decided to provide significant funding to NIRL, the renewable arm of NLC India Limited. An investment of 7,000 crore rupees will be made under this. Out of this, projects worth 6,263 crore rupees will be transferred to NIRL and 700 crore rupees will be given for new projects.
India has already surpassed the 50% target for green energy
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav informed that India has crossed the 50 percent mark for the share of renewable sources in its total installed power capacity. This target was set for 2030, which the country has already achieved.
