Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to release the 17th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme on June 18, 2024, in a grand event at Varanasi. Over 9.26 crore farmers across the nation will benefit from this instalment, receiving financial aid amounting to more than Rs. 20,000 crore. In addition to this, the Prime Minister will distribute certificates to over 30,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) trained as Krishi Sakhis, who will serve as para-extension workers.
The event will be graced by several dignitaries, including Anandiben Patel, Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Agriculture Minister, along with several state ministers. The event is expected to witness participation from more than 2.5 crore farmers, including those at 732 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), over 1 lakh Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies, and 5 lakh Common Service Centres across the country.
Special events will be organized at 50 selected KVKs, where a significant number of farmers will join the celebrations. Several Union Ministers will visit these centers to interact with the farmers, educating them on good agricultural practices, new emerging technologies in agriculture, and climate-resilient farming methods. Farmers will also receive guidance on checking their PM-KISAN beneficiary status, payment status, and using the Kisan-eMitra Chatbot. Additionally, Union Ministers will distribute certificates to trained Krishi Sakhis in these areas.
In a press conference held on June 15, 2024, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the pivotal role of agriculture in India’s economy and praised Prime Minister Modi’s unwavering support for farmers. He emphasized that agriculture has always been a priority for the Prime Minister. The PM-KISAN scheme, launched in 2019, has significantly benefited farmers by providing direct financial support to their bank accounts.
Chouhan expressed his gratitude for being entrusted with the Department of Agriculture, noting that agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, generating the majority of employment opportunities and sustaining the country’s food reserves. He described serving the agriculture sector and farmers as akin to worshipping God. The government’s dedication to enhancing the agricultural sector is evident through its continuous efforts and strategic plans, including the upcoming 100-day plan.
The PM-KISAN scheme, launched on February 24, 2019, aims to supplement the financial needs of all land-holding farmers, subject to certain exclusion criteria based on higher income status. Under the scheme, financial benefits of Rs 6,000 per year, in three equal instalments every four months, are transferred directly into the bank accounts of farmers’ families across the country through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). To date, over Rs 3.04 lakh crores have been disbursed to more than 11 crore farmers nationwide. With this latest release, the total amount transferred to beneficiaries since the scheme’s inception will exceed Rs 3.24 lakh crores.
Krishi Sakhis, chosen as agriculture para-extension workers, are trusted community resource persons and experienced farmers themselves. They have received extensive training in various agricultural practices, equipping them to effectively support and guide fellow farmers. Currently, over 34,000 Krishi Sakhis out of 70,000 have been certified as para-extension workers, and their contributions are expected to significantly enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability across the country.