PM releases 8th instalment of financial benefit under PM-KISAN

New Delhi, May 14 (KNN) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday released the 8th instalment of financial benefit under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme via video conferencing.

As part of this instalment, more than Rs 20,000 crore was transferred in the bank accounts of over 9.5 crore beneficiary farmer families. This is the highest amount paid by the government under the scheme in a single instalment.

The Prime Minister also interacted with farmer beneficiaries during the event. Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar was also present on the occasion.

Under the scheme, Rs 6000 is transferred to the beneficiaries' bank accounts per year. This amount is paid in quarterly installments of Rs 2000 each.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said for the first time, the farmers of West Bengal would be getting the benefit of this scheme. He also lauded the efforts of the farmers who have made record produce in food grains and horticulture amidst the difficulties during this pandemic.

''The Government is also setting new records in procurement at MSP every year. Paddy procurement at MSP had set new records and now wheat procurement at MSP is also setting new records. So far this year, about 10 percent more wheat has been procured at MSP, compared to last year. So far, about Rs. 58,000 crores for wheat procurement has reached the farmers' account directly,'' he added.

The Prime Minister remarked that the Government is constantly trying to provide new solutions and new options in farming. Promoting organic farming is also one such effort. Organic farming delivers more profit and is now being practiced across the nation by young farmers.

''Now organic farming is being practised on both banks of Ganga and within a radius of about 5 kilometers, so that the Ganga remains clean,'' he said.

The Prime Minister stressed that during this COVID-19 pandemic, Kisan Credit Card’s deadline has been extended and instalments can now be renewed by 30 June. He said more than 2 crore Kisan Credit Cards have been issued in recent years.