PM Narendra Modi to Release 18th PM-KISAN Instalment in Maharashtra
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to release the 18th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on Saturday in Washim, Maharashtra. This instalment, worth over Rs 20,000 crore, will be distributed to more than 9.4 crore farmers across India through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring financial support without intermediaries.
PM-KISAN Utsav Divas
The event is celebrated as PM-KISAN Utsav Divas nationwide, with around 2.5 crore farmers expected to join via webcasts from various agricultural centers. Launched in February 2019, the PM-KISAN scheme provides Rs 6,000 annually to landholding farmers in three instalments. With this release, the total disbursement will exceed Rs 3.45 lakh crore, benefiting over 11 crore farmers.
Additional Support for Maharashtra
Maharashtra has received Rs 32,000 crore for 1.20 crore farmers, and in this instalment, 91.51 lakh farmers will get over Rs 1,900 crore. Additionally, Rs 2,000 crore will be distributed under the Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana.
Agricultural Infrastructure and FPOs
Prime Minister Modi will also dedicate projects under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), launched in 2020 to improve post-harvest management. Over 10,066 projects have been sanctioned, with more than 7,500 completed. The Prime Minister will also dedicate around 9,200 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) formed under a Central Sector Scheme, supporting 24 lakh farmers.
New Initiatives in Dairy Farming
New initiatives include indigenous sex-sorted semen production technology and genomic chips for cattle and buffalo, aimed at improving dairy productivity. Additionally, the e-Distribution of Letters of Award for 3,000 MW under the KUSUM-C scheme will promote solar energy for agriculture, with five solar parks providing daytime electricity to farmers.
Doubts Revealed
PM Narendra Modi -: PM Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India, which means he is the leader of the Indian government. He makes important decisions for the country.
PM-KISAN -: PM-KISAN is a government scheme in India that gives money to farmers to help them with their farming needs. It stands for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi.
Instalment -: An instalment is a part of a payment that is given at different times. In this case, it means the 18th time money is being given to farmers under the PM-KISAN scheme.
Direct Benefit Transfer -: Direct Benefit Transfer is a way the government sends money directly to people’s bank accounts. It helps make sure the money reaches the right people quickly and safely.
Maharashtra -: Maharashtra is a state in the western part of India. It is known for its big cities like Mumbai and Pune, and it has many farmers.
Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana -: This is a special scheme by the Maharashtra government to give extra financial help to farmers in the state. It is similar to PM-KISAN but specific to Maharashtra.
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund -: The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is a government program that provides money to build better facilities for farming, like storage and processing units, to help farmers.
Dairy farming initiatives -: Dairy farming initiatives are new projects to help farmers who raise cows and buffaloes for milk. These projects aim to improve milk production and help farmers earn more.
Solar energy projects -: Solar energy projects use sunlight to create electricity. These projects help farmers by providing them with a clean and cheap source of power for their farms.