PM Modi to Release 17th Installment Amount of Rs 20,000 Cr to 9 Cr Farmers Under PM-KISAN Scheme

New Delhi, Jun 17 (KNN) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Varanasi on Tuesday to release the 17th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.

The event, organised by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh government, will see the disbursement of approximately Rs 20,000 crore to over 9.26 crore beneficiary farmers.

Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced this at a press conference, highlighting that the Prime Minister will also grant certificates to more than 30,000 self-help groups as Krishi Sakhis during the event.

The PM-KISAN scheme, launched on February 24, 2019, provides financial support of Rs 6,000 per year in three equal installments to eligible farmer families across the country.

To date, the government has disbursed over Rs 3.04 lakh crore to more than 11 crore farmers under this scheme.

In a significant move to enhance agricultural extension services, the event will also focus on Krishi Sakhis - women from self-help groups trained as para-extension workers.

These Krishi Sakhis, chosen for their farming experience and community trust, have received extensive training in various agricultural practices. The program has been rolled out in 12 states in its first phase, with over 34,000 Krishi Sakhis certified so far.

Minister Chouhan emphasized the government's commitment to farmer welfare, citing initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, which has provided financial security to more than 4 crore farmers, and the provision of subsidised fertilisers despite global price surges.

The event is expected to be broadcast live across multiple platforms, including Doordarshan, DD Kisan, and various social media channels. It will also be viewed at development block offices, gram panchayats, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and over five lakh Common Service Centers nationwide.

Dignitaries expected to attend include the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and various state ministers.

(KNN Bureau)