| The ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (ICAR-CIWA), Bhubaneswar, organized the "live webcast of the national launch ceremony of the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY)" and the "Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses" by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 11 October 2025. More than 600 farm women besides public representatives and staff of the institute participated in the event and benefitted with the vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji and the information about various schemes and programmes of Govt. of India. The programme began with an introductory address by Dr. Mridula Devi, Director, ICAR-CIWA highlighting the objectives and importance of PM-DDKY, a landmark initiative aimed at enhance agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification and sustainable agricultural practices, augment post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block levels, improve irrigation facilities and facilitate availability of long-term and short-term credit. The scheme aims to bridge critical gaps in 100 selected districts by converging existing schemes of DA&FW, allied Ministries, and State Governments. Prime Minister also launched the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses aimed at improving productivity levels of pulses, expanding the area under pulse cultivation, strengthening the value chain – procurement, storage, processing – and ensuring reduction of losses. Participants keenly watched the live address of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, who emphasized the government’s continued commitment to empowering farmers, through technology, innovation, and farmer-centric schemes and programmes. Following the webcast, discussion was held on the potential implications of the scheme for women farmers, Improved Package of Practices of major rabi crops, Principles and practices of Natural Farming, Awareness on National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS), Farmers Grievance Redressal Portal, and GST reduction benefits to the farmers. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister for launching a visionary programme that aims to transform Indian agriculture and enhance rural livelihoods. |
