Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to release the 17th instalment of approximately Rs 20,000 crore under the PM-KISAN scheme. This event will take place in Varanasi on 18 June 2024 and will include the granting of certificates to over 30,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as Krishi Sakhis.
Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced this during a press conference. He highlighted the importance of agriculture in India’s economy, noting that it remains a significant source of employment.
“Even today, farmers are filling the granaries of the country,” Chouhan said, underscoring Prime Minister Modi’s priority to agriculture and farmers. The PM-KISAN scheme, initiated on 24 February 2019, aims to supplement the financial needs of all land-holding farmers, with the government having disbursed over Rs 3.04 lakh crore to more than 11 crore farmers to date. This latest instalment will bring the total disbursement to over Rs 3.24 lakh crore.
The event in Varanasi, organised by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in coordination with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, will feature prominent dignitaries including the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and various other ministers.
Chouhan also mentioned the Prime Minister’s commitment to creating three crore ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ with one crore already achieved. The Krishi Sakhi programme, a key component of this initiative, involves training women to support farmers, enabling them to earn an additional income of about Rs 60,000-80,000 annually.
Certificates for Krishi Sakhis will be distributed, with the programme already implemented in 12 states including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, among others. Currently, over 34,000 Krishi Sakhis out of the targeted 70,000 have been certified as para-extension workers.
To further connect with farmers, several Union Ministers will visit 50 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to create awareness about various agricultural schemes. The event will be broadcast live on multiple platforms, including DD Kisan, MyGov, and various social media channels.
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Chouhan also highlighted ongoing efforts to provide affordable fertilisers and financial security through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, benefiting over 4 crore farmers.
Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Manoj Ahuja and Secretary of DARE Himanshu Pathak were also present at the press conference.
The Union Minister urged farmers to participate in the programme through any available medium to connect with the Prime Minister and benefit from the various schemes and initiatives.
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