NEW DELHI, Feb 21: On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the 19th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme, facilitating a transfer of approximately ₹22,000 crore directly into the bank accounts of 9.8 crore farmers. This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to boost farmers’ incomes.
Each participant in the program receives an annual aid of ₹6,000, distributed in three installments of ₹2,000 every four months.
During a press conference, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced, “The Prime Minister will unveil the 19th installment of PM-KISAN on February 24 at an event in Bhagalpur, Bihar. Eligible farmers will see the funds directly credited to their bank accounts.”
Chouhan stated that the total amount being disbursed will reach ₹22,000 crore for 9.8 crore farmers, marking an increase from 9.6 crore beneficiaries in the previous installment.
To date, the government has distributed a total of ₹3.46 lakh crore under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) initiative, a figure that will rise to ₹3.68 lakh crore following the 19th installment.
Launched in February 2019, PM-KISAN is recognized as the world’s largest direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme, assisting farmers with costs associated with seeds and fertilizers.
In response to inquiries about discussions with protesting farmers in Punjab, Chouhan affirmed that the government is actively engaging with the farming community and will maintain those dialogues.
The government is focused on increasing agricultural production, lowering input costs, enhancing farmers’ income from their crops, and promoting natural farming practices, according to Chouhan.
The Minister criticized the Congress party for their discourse on farmer welfare, noting that they did not provide direct financial assistance to farmers during their tenure.
Regarding the forthcoming event in Bhagalpur, Chouhan expects around 2.5 crore farmers to participate both in person and virtually.
The event will also be attended by the Governor of Bihar, the Chief Minister, and various central ministers from the state.
Additionally, the Prime Minister is set to inaugurate a dairy processing unit in Barauni, a center of excellence under the Gokul Mission, and several rail projects within the state.
Chouhan clarified that the release of the 19th installment should not be associated with the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar, explaining that past installments have been announced from various states by the Prime Minister.
On February 23, Chouhan plans to meet with Makhana farmers in Darbhanga to understand their challenges better. He announced that a proposed Makhana Board will soon be established as outlined in this year’s Budget. (PTI)
