The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi program saw its 20th installment released, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi overseeing the distribution of funds to more than 9.7 crore farmers across India. The disbursement, totaling ₹20,500 crore, was conducted through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participated virtually from Raipur, connecting with the state’s farming community.
During the event, the Prime Minister shared that since the scheme’s inception in 2019, a substantial ₹3.75 lakh crore has been directly credited to farmers’ accounts nationwide. He reiterated the government’s dedication to farmer welfare, citing the PM Kisan Nidhi as a key initiative. The Prime Minister also announced the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhan Yojana, designed to aid agricultural development in regions with lagging growth, with an allocated budget of ₹24,000 crore.
The focus was on the government’s investment in irrigation infrastructure to ensure water access and enhance agricultural productivity. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was highlighted as a critical program for providing relief to farmers during natural disasters. Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of empowering women economically, noting the progress of over 1.5 crore women who have become Lakhpati Didis.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai extended greetings for the holy month of Shravan and expressed wishes for the prosperity of Chhattisgarh. He announced that approximately 25 lakh farmers in Chhattisgarh have collectively received ₹553.34 crore under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. He conveyed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi on behalf of the state’s residents for supporting the farmers.
The Chief Minister underscored the government’s commitment to upholding its pledges to the farming community. He mentioned that farmers in Chhattisgarh are currently receiving ₹3100 per quintal for paddy, which is helping to improve their incomes. The distribution of ₹3716 crore in pending bonus payments within the first ten days of government formation further solidified farmer confidence. He also highlighted the significant role of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, originally launched under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in transforming farming into a more viable and profitable venture by providing access to zero-interest loans.
The Chief Minister outlined the government’s various welfare programs, including ongoing efforts to expand irrigation infrastructure. He mentioned the focus on developing Bastar and implementing projects such as the Bodhghat project and the linking of the Mahanadi and Indravati rivers. Financial assistance of ₹10,000 is being provided to encourage the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds, with similar support for landless agricultural laborers.
The Chief Minister also discussed initiatives focused on bolstering allied agricultural sectors, including fisheries, dairy farming, and animal husbandry. A pilot program for distributing milch animals is being implemented across six districts with the support of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). This initiative aims to boost milk production while ensuring that farmers receive fair market prices. He emphasized efforts to promote nutritious millets like Shree Anna and traditional crops such as Kodo, Kutki, and Ragi to create better market opportunities for Chhattisgarh’s farmers.
Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu stated that the government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, continues to provide financial assistance to farmers through this scheme. He noted the construction of paved roads in villages and the availability of short-term, interest-free loans through the Kisan Credit Card. He added that the government has introduced numerous programs to improve the lives of farmers.
Agriculture Development and Farmer Welfare Minister Ramvichar Netam confirmed that the 20th installment of ₹553.34 crore was successfully transferred to over 25.47 lakh farmers in Chhattisgarh. He highlighted the state government’s dedication to modernizing agriculture and promoting better farming practices. The Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan initiative brought together agricultural experts and over one lakh farmers, providing them with information on improved agricultural techniques.
The event saw the distribution of agricultural equipment and subsidy checks to beneficiaries. The program was attended by MLAs, government officials, and the Vice-Chancellors of agricultural universities, along with a large number of farmers.