The Central Government has announced a significant relief package for farmers in Jammu & Kashmir affected by recent floods and landslides. Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, released the 21st installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme in advance to support the distressed farming community. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh was also present during the occasion.
Under this installment, ₹171 crore has been directly transferred into the bank accounts of 8.55 lakh farmers, including 85,418 women farmers. With this release, farmers in Jammu & Kashmir have received a total of ₹4,052 crore under the PM-KISAN scheme to date.
“Centre Stands Firmly with Farmers in Every Crisis” – Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Addressing the event, Minister Chouhan reaffirmed that the Central Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stands shoulder-to-shoulder with every farmer and family affected by natural calamities in Jammu & Kashmir.
“We will ensure that no farmer feels alone during this difficult time. The advance installment of PM-KISAN will help them meet their immediate needs,” he said.
Special Measures for Relief and Rehabilitation
Chouhan further informed that the government is extending comprehensive support through various schemes. The Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned ₹85.62 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-Gramin) for the reconstruction of around 5,100 damaged houses. This package also includes assistance for toilet construction and additional support under MGNREGA, enabling affected families to rebuild their homes.
In a major relief announcement, the minister also stated that the number of workdays under MGNREGA will be increased from 100 to 150 days for affected families, once the proposal is received from the Jammu & Kashmir government.
Support for Agricultural Revival
To help revive agricultural activities, the Centre will ensure the supply of seeds, fertilizers, and other critical inputs. Chouhan highlighted that under the “Jiska Khet, Uski Rait” policy, the J&K government has allowed farmers to sell sand from their own fields, offering them an additional source of income.
He also hinted that the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) could be tapped for additional assistance based on the state government’s request. Moreover, insured farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) will receive compensation directly in their bank accounts once the necessary proposals are submitted by the state authorities.
Demonstrating the Centre’s Sensitivity and Prompt Action
The event was attended by Agriculture Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, ICAR Director General Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, and other senior officials. Jammu & Kashmir Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar and several farmers and officers joined the program virtually.
Dr. Jitendra Singh and Javed Ahmad Dar expressed gratitude to the Central Government, stating that Minister Chouhan’s recent visit to Jammu & Kashmir and inspection of affected areas reflect the Centre’s compassion, responsiveness, and commitment towards farmers in distress.
They emphasized that this timely relief package will provide much-needed stability and hope to the farming community, enabling them to restore their livelihoods and resume agricultural activities at the earliest.
With this initiative, the Central Government has once again reassured the farmers of Jammu & Kashmir that no effort will be spared in helping them recover from the crisis and rebuild their future with dignity and strength.
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