The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare organised a high-level Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Conclave in New Delhi to strengthen support for the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY). The event was held in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India and the Gates Foundation, bringing together key stakeholders from government, financial institutions, corporate houses, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and development agencies. The conclave focused on identifying ways to leverage CSR initiatives for enhancing farmer welfare and agricultural development across the country.
The gathering served as a platform to encourage collaboration between the public and private sectors in implementing the objectives of PMDDKY. Participants discussed innovative approaches to improve agricultural productivity, promote sustainable farming practices, and expand opportunities for farmers through targeted interventions and investments.
Addressing the conclave, Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships that go beyond traditional CSR funding. He stressed the importance of active participation from the private sector in supporting farmers through capacity building, technical assistance, awareness programmes, and stronger linkages with Farmer Producer Organisations. According to him, such collaborations can significantly enhance the impact of government initiatives at the grassroots level.
The Secretary also underscored the need for climate-resilient agricultural practices to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience in the farming sector. He called upon corporate partners to contribute expertise, manpower, and innovative solutions that can help farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions while improving productivity and incomes.
Financial inclusion emerged as another key area of discussion during the conclave. Chaturvedi emphasised the critical role of Lead Banks in extending access to credit and financial services in rural areas. He noted that dedicated efforts under flagship programmes such as the Kisan Credit Card and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana can help strengthen the economic security of farmers and improve the effectiveness of agricultural development schemes.
The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana is a major government initiative aimed at accelerating growth in agriculture and allied sectors through a district-focused approach. The scheme seeks to improve agricultural productivity, encourage crop diversification, strengthen irrigation infrastructure, expand storage facilities, and enhance access to institutional credit. It is designed to cover 100 districts over a six-year period and is being implemented through the convergence of multiple government schemes and partnerships with private stakeholders.
The conclave witnessed participation from around 65 representatives of leading corporate organisations, including companies from sectors such as banking, technology, consumer goods, and manufacturing. Their involvement reflected growing interest in supporting agricultural transformation through CSR initiatives and strategic partnerships.
The event concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to work collectively towards improving farmers’ livelihoods and achieving sustainable agricultural growth. By combining government programmes, private sector expertise, and community participation, the initiative aims to create lasting positive outcomes for farmers and rural communities across India.
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