New Delhi, March 12: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will transfer ₹18,640 crores directly into the accounts of 9.32 crore farmers as the 22nd installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. This event is scheduled to take place on March 13 in Guwahati, Assam.
Minister Chouhan highlighted that over ₹4.09 lakh crores have been distributed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, which includes more than 2.15 crore women farmers.
He stated that studies indicate this direct financial assistance has led to increased agricultural investment and reduced farmers’ reliance on moneylenders, thereby strengthening the rural economy. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the commitment to agricultural development and farmer welfare continues unabated.
Addressing journalists, Chouhan shed light on the progress made in agriculture over the past 12 years. He noted that India has transformed from a grain-deficient nation into a global agricultural power, a change attributed to government policies and farmers’ hard work. Today, India ranks first in the world in rice production, surpassing China with an output of 150 million tons.
The Union Agriculture Minister further revealed that total food grain production has risen from 252 million tons in 2014 to 357 million tons today. There has also been significant growth in horticulture, with fruit and vegetable production increasing from 277 million to 369 million tons. India is now self-sufficient in pulse production and is the largest producer and consumer of pulses globally. The government is making record purchases of pulses such as tur, lentils, and urad.
To assist farmers, the government has launched the first phase of an AI digital platform named ‘Bharat Vistar.’ Through this platform, farmers can access all agricultural information in their local language with just a phone call. In recent years, the government has ensured record procurement of MSP for wheat, rice, cotton, oilseeds, and pulses, along with affordable fertilizer prices for farmers.
Chouhan also mentioned that agricultural loans have surged from ₹8.45 lakh crores in 2014 to ₹28.69 lakh crores now. Under the crop insurance scheme, approximately ₹2 lakh crores have been credited to farmers’ accounts. Additionally, the agricultural budget has seen a substantial increase, rising from ₹27,000 crores during the UPA government to over ₹1.40 lakh crores annually now.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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