PM-KISAN Utsav: Empowering Farmers Through Direct Benefit Transfer

The 'PM-KISAN Utsav Diwas' event in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, saw the participation of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and over 3 lakh farmers, who tuned in to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address. Modi launched the 20th instalment of the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi Yojana from Varanasi, dispersing over Rs 1,118 crore to more than 52.16 lakh Gujarat farmers via DBT.

Chief Minister Patel praised Modi's leadership and the swift implementation of welfare initiatives. He highlighted the PM's focus on the four pillars of Viksit Bharat: Garib, Annadata, Yuva, and Nari Shakti, which form the foundation for numerous empowerment schemes. The PM-KISAN Yojana, lauded as the largest DBT scheme globally, reflects this vision.

Under the scheme, Rs 3.69 lakh crore has reached crores of farmers over 19 instalments. The 20th instalment distributed Rs 20,500 crore nationwide. Patel noted advancements in agriculture infrastructure, with a fivefold increase in budgetary allocations and initiatives promoting modern farming techniques. New schemes like the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana aim to boost low-output districts.

Additionally, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of initiatives like natural farming and millet promotion for a developed Bharat by 2047. Programs such as the Gujarat Natural Farming Science University signify a step toward this goal. Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel emphasized virtual support, while Dr. Anju Sharma shed light on the broad participation of 3 lakh farmers witnessing the event across 7,000 locations.

(With inputs from agencies.)