In a landmark move coinciding with the auspicious month of Shravan (Sawan), Prime Minister Narendra Modi transferred Rs 20,500 crore to over 9.7 crore farmers across the country as the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. The event, held in Varanasi, was marked by a massive virtual gathering of farmers and state leaders, with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai joining the program from Raipur.
PM Modi Reaffirms Commitment to Farmers’ Prosperity
While addressing the nationwide farmers’ conference, Prime Minister Modi underlined that since the inception of the PM-KISAN scheme in 2019, a total of Rs 3.75 lakh crore has been transferred directly to the accounts of farmers. Emphasizing the government’s unwavering support for agricultural growth, he cited multiple initiatives:
- Rs 24,000 crore provisioned under the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Yojana to uplift backward agricultural districts.
- Strengthening of irrigation infrastructure to enhance productivity.
- Expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to safeguard farmers against natural calamities.
- Focus on women empowerment, noting that over 1.5 crore women have become ‘Lakhpati Didi’, achieving half the target of three crore.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai: “Modi Ki Guarantee” Strengthening Farmers in Chhattisgarh
Participating virtually, Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai extended greetings to the farmers on the occasion of Sawan and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for empowering Chhattisgarh’s farmers. He said that more than 25 lakh farmers in Chhattisgarh have received Rs 553.34 crore under the 20th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme.
Highlighting state initiatives aligned with the central government’s vision, Mr. Sai stated:
- Farmers in Chhattisgarh are now receiving Rs 3,100 per quintal for paddy, ensuring higher income.
- A bonus of Rs 3,716 crore was distributed within ten days of forming the new government, fulfilling the electoral promise.
- Interest-free loans through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme have transformed agriculture into a viable business, relieving farmers from earlier high-interest debts.
Boost to Irrigation, Crop Diversification and Allied Activities
The Chief Minister underscored efforts to develop irrigation potential in the Bastar region, once affected by naxalism, through ambitious projects like the Bodhghat Project and the linking of Mahanadi and Indravati rivers.
To encourage the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds, and to support landless agricultural labourers, the government has announced a support amount of Rs 10,000. Similar incentives are being extended to fisheries, dairy farming, and animal husbandry sectors.
A ‘Dairy Animal Distribution Scheme’, launched as a pilot project in six districts in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), aims to boost milk production and ensure fair pricing for dairy farmers.
The Chief Minister also stressed the state’s promotion of nutritional grains like millets (Shri Ann) and traditional crops like Kodo, Kutki, and Ragi, aligning with the global shift towards sustainable and healthy food systems.
Union Ministers and State Leadership Praise PM-Kisan’s Impact
Union Minister of State Mr. Tokhan Sahu highlighted the government’s focus on direct benefit transfers (DBT), infrastructure development in rural areas, and interest-free short-term loans through KCC. He lauded the Prime Minister’s vision for enabling farmers to access resources without middlemen.
Agriculture Minister Mr. Ramvichar Netam noted that the Vishnu Deo Sai government is taking a progressive approach by combining traditional agricultural practices with modern equipment, techniques, and research. Under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, over 1 lakh farmers were reached by agricultural scientists and officers to promote best farming practices.
On-Ground Support and Recognition of Beneficiaries
During the event, grant cheques for agricultural machinery and scheme benefits were distributed to eligible beneficiaries. Key dignitaries in attendance included MLAs Sunil Soni, Purandar Mishra, Guru Khuswant Saheb, and Indra Kumar Sahu, along with Raipur Division Commissioner Mahadev Kavre, Ajay Agarwal (MD, Chhattisgarh Seed Corporation), and Vice Chancellors of prominent agricultural universities.
The program served as a testament to the Modi government’s commitment to farmers, as well as Chhattisgarh’s proactive efforts under Chief Minister Sai to align with national goals of ‘Atmanirbhar Krishi’ and self-reliant rural India.
