Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 22nd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme today during a programme in Guwahati, Assam. Under this installment, a total amount of ₹18,640 crore will be transferred directly to the bank accounts of 9.32 crore farmers across the country through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that since the launch of the PM-KISAN scheme, more than ₹4.09 lakh crore has been transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts. He added that the scheme has significantly benefited women farmers as well, with over 2.15 crore women beneficiaries expected to receive the installment this time.
The minister noted that direct financial support under the scheme is helping farmers invest more in agriculture and reducing their dependence on informal credit sources. According to him, the initiative has also contributed to strengthening the rural economy by improving farmers’ purchasing power.
Growth in Agricultural Production
Highlighting progress in the agriculture sector over the past decade, Chouhan stated that India’s total foodgrain production has increased significantly. The country’s foodgrain output has risen from about 252 million tonnes in 2014 to nearly 357 million tonnes in recent years.
He also pointed out that India has emerged as a global leader in rice production, with output reaching around 150 million tonnes. The horticulture sector has also recorded notable growth, with production of fruits and vegetables increasing from 277 million tonnes to nearly 369 million tonnes.
New Technology Initiatives for Farmers
The minister further informed that the government has launched the first phase of an AI-based digital platform called Bharat Vistar. The platform is designed to provide farmers with agricultural information and advisory services in their local languages through a simple phone call.
He also highlighted that in recent years the government has made record procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops such as wheat, paddy, cotton, oilseeds and pulses, ensuring better returns for farmers.
Increase in Agricultural Credit and Budget
According to Chouhan, agricultural credit has grown significantly over the past decade, rising from ₹8.45 lakh crore in 2014 to about ₹28.69 lakh crore at present. Meanwhile, under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, insurance claims worth nearly ₹2 lakh crore have been settled in favour of farmers.
He also noted that the Union government has substantially increased the agriculture budget. Earlier estimated at around ₹27,000 crore, the annual agriculture budget has now expanded to over ₹1.40 lakh crore, reflecting a stronger policy focus on agricultural development.
The government believes that such initiatives will continue to strengthen the agriculture sector, enhance farmers’ incomes and support the long-term growth of rural economies across the country.
By
