New Delhi, Feb 24 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended his heartfelt appreciation to the country’s farmers, hailing them as ‘Annadatas’ on the successful completion of six years of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to farmers’ welfare, highlighting the initiative’s role in bringing dignity, prosperity, and financial security to those who feed the nation.
This announcement comes ahead of the Prime Minister’s scheduled visit to Bhagalpur, Bihar, where he will release over ₹22,000 crore as part of the 19th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme. The financial aid, disbursed through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensures direct payments to farmers, eliminating middlemen and preventing delays or discrepancies.
PM Modi’s Message to Farmers
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote, “We are proud of our Annadatas,” while sharing details about various schemes launched by the Centre to support farmers.
Reflecting on the past decade of agricultural reforms, he emphasized, “In the last 10 years, our relentless efforts have led to the rapid development of the agriculture sector. The financial aid provided to millions of small farmers has improved market access, reduced farming costs, and increased their income.”
He further expressed satisfaction over the success of PM-KISAN, stating, “Congratulations to our farmer brothers and sisters on completing six years of PM-Kisan. It fills me with immense pride that nearly ₹3.5 lakh crore has been transferred directly into their accounts. This initiative is strengthening and empowering our food providers.”
PM-KISAN: A Game-Changer for Farmers
Launched in 2019, PM-KISAN was designed to provide financial assistance to farmers, ensuring greater stability and supporting agricultural productivity. Over the years, the scheme has played a key role in reducing farming costs and improving the economic well-being of farmers.
Apart from releasing PM-KISAN funds, PM Modi is set to launch several initiatives aimed at boosting Bihar’s agricultural, dairy, and rural economy.
Key Announcements for Farmers
1. Kisan Credit Card Loan Limit Increased:
• The Centre has raised the loan limit under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, ensuring greater financial support for farmers.
2. Major Investment in the Dairy Sector:
• A state-of-the-art dairy plant will be set up in Barauni with an investment of ₹113.27 crore. With a processing capacity of 2 lakh litres per day, this plant will significantly boost dairy production and processing in the region.
3. Improving Cattle Breeding & Dairy Productivity:
• The Motihari Regional Centre of Excellence (CoE) under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission will be inaugurated with an investment of ₹33.80 crore. The center will play a crucial role in enhancing cattle breeding and increasing milk productivity.
4. Strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs):
• PM Modi will launch the 10,000th Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) to empower farmers through collective bargaining and better market access.
• Since the launch of the ₹6,865 crore FPO scheme in 2020, equity grants worth ₹254.4 crore have been provided to 4,761 FPOs, while ₹453 crore in credit guarantees has been issued to 1,900 FPOs.
Infrastructure Development in Bihar
In addition to the agriculture-focused initiatives, PM Modi will also inaugurate key infrastructure projects in Bihar, aimed at improving connectivity and easing transportation.
1. Warisaliganj-Nawada-Tilaiya Rail Doubling Project:
• Built at a cost of ₹526 crore, this project will enhance rail connectivity in the region.
2. Ismailpur-Rafiganj Road-Over-Bridge:
• Constructed at a cost of ₹47 crore, this bridge will help decongest traffic and facilitate smoother movement of goods and people.
A Strong Push for Rural Growth
These announcements underscore the Centre’s continued efforts to empower farmers, strengthen the dairy and cattle farming industries, and boost Bihar’s infrastructure. By focusing on financial assistance, modern agricultural practices, and better connectivity, the government aims to accelerate rural development and economic growth across the country.( With inputs from IANS)