Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 17th instalment of approximately Rs 20,000 crore under the PM-KISAN scheme and distributed certificates to over 30,000 self-help groups known as Krishi Sakhis today in Varanasi. The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and several other state ministers.
Addressing the farmers present at the venue and those connected through technology, Prime Minister Modi announced that Rs 20,000 crore had been deposited into the accounts of millions of farmers. He highlighted the Krishi Sakhi initiative as a vital step towards creating 3 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ ensuring a steady income source and dignity for beneficiary women. “PM Kisan Samman Nidhi has emerged as the world’s largest direct benefit transfer scheme,” Modi noted, emphasizing that over Rs 3.25 lakh crore have been transferred into farmers’ bank accounts, including Rs 700 crore to families in Varanasi alone.
Prime Minister Modi praised the use of technology in reaching the intended beneficiaries and credited the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra for enabling more than 1 crore farmers to register under the PM-KISAN scheme. He added that rules and regulations have been simplified to enhance accessibility. “Work related to farmers’ welfare progresses rapidly when intentions and beliefs are in the right place,” he said. The Prime Minister also compared the Krishi Sakhi program to the Drone Didi program, highlighting the significant roles women play as Asha workers and Bank Sakhis, and now as Krishi Sakhis.
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the gathering, reiterating that agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, with farmers being its soul. “For us, the farmer is God, and serving farmers is akin to worshipping God,” Chouhan stated. He recalled that Prime Minister Modi’s first action upon taking office was signing the file for Kisan Samman Nidhi, reflecting his commitment to farmers.
Chouhan announced that with today’s instalment, a total of approximately Rs 3,25,000 crore has been deposited into farmers’ accounts. He highlighted the government’s continuous efforts to double farmers’ income through new technology, irrigation schemes, and subsidies that reduce production costs. He also mentioned the Kisan Credit Card scheme, which has liberated farmers from moneylenders, and the Minimum Support Price policy that ensures at least 50 percent profit over crop costs.
Discussing crop insurance, Chouhan mentioned the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, which compensates farmers for crop losses due to natural disasters. He emphasized the government’s promotion of diversified agriculture, including flower farming, fruit farming, vegetable farming, medicinal farming, agroforestry, animal husbandry, and beekeeping to boost farmers’ income.
Chouhan concluded by affirming the Agriculture Department’s dedication to farmers’ welfare under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s goal of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis, with about one crore already achieved. Certificates were distributed to Krishi Sakhis, trained to assist farmers and enhance their income. “These sisters will help farmers with better farming methods and increase their own income,” he said, noting that 34,000 Krishi Sakhis have been trained so far.
