New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday released the 12th instalment amount of Rs 16,000 crore to eligible farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) through Direct Benefit Transfer.
He inaugurated a two-day event ‘PM Kisan Samman Sammelan’ at Indian Agricultural Research Institute.
Addressing the gathering, the prime minister said, “I congratulate the farmers and their family members for having received the 12th installment today under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi through Direct Benefit Transfer ahead of Deepawali.”
Under the scheme, eligible farmer families are provided a benefit of Rs 6000 per year in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000 each.
So far, eligible farmer families have received benefits of more than Rs 2 lakh crore under PM-KISAN.
The Prime Minister termed the scheme a transformational initiative.
During the event, Modi also inaugurated 600 Pradan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras (PMKSK) under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Under the scheme, the fertilizer retail shops in the country will be converted into Pradan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras in a phased manner.
Pradan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras will cater to a wide variety of needs of the farmers and provide agri-inputs (fertilizers, seeds, implements); testing facilities for soil, seeds, fertilizers; generate awareness among farmers; provide information regarding various government schemes and ensure regular capacity building of retailers at block and district level outlets, the PMO said.
More than 3 lakh retail fertilizer shops are planned to be converted into PMKSK.
“From today, the work will start to convert over 3.15 lakh fertilizer shops into Pradhan Mantri Samruddhi Kendras. These Kendras will be a one stop solution catering to all requirements of our annadatas,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister also launched Bharat Urea Bags, which will help companies market fertilizers under the single brand name Bharat.
“Through One Nation One Fertilizer, urea will now be available under one brand name – Bharat. This will ensure farmers do not undergo confusion and there is consistency in the quality of fertilizers,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Agri Startup Conclave and Exhibition.
About 300 startups will showcase their innovation related to Precision Farming, Post-Harvest and Value Add Solutions, Allied Agriculture, Waste to Wealth, Mechanisation for Small Farmers, Supply Chain Management, Argi-Logistic, among others.
The platform would facilitate startups to interact with farmers, FPOs, agri-experts, corporates etc. Startups will also share their experience and interact with other stakeholders in technical sessions.
During the event, Modi also launched ‘Indian Edge’, an e-magazine on fertilizer.
It will provide information on domestic and international fertilizer scenarios, including recent developments, price trends analysis, availability and consumption, success stories of farmers, among others.
