
On June 18, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting his Parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, for the first time since assuming office for a third consecutive term. During this visit, he will release the 17th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme. This installment amounts to more than ₹20,000 crore and will benefit 9.26 crore farmers across the country.
Recognition for Self Help Groups (SHGs)
During his visit, PM Modi will also recognize the efforts of more than 30,000 members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) who have been trained as ‘Krishi Sakhis’. These individuals serve as para-extension workers, providing support and guidance to fellow farmers in agricultural practices.
Government’s Commitment to Agriculture
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the government’s commitment to the agricultural sector during a media briefing. He emphasized that agriculture has always been a priority for the Prime Minister in his previous terms. Mr. Chouhan mentioned that PM Modi took several key decisions in the interest of farmers, and the release of the 17th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme was among his first actions after taking office.
PM-KISAN Scheme and its Impact
The PM-KISAN scheme, launched in 2019, is a direct benefit transfer (DBT) initiative. Under this scheme, beneficiary farmers receive an annual sum of ₹6,000 in three equal installments to support their financial needs. Since its inception, the government has disbursed more than ₹3.04 lakh crore to over 11 crore farmers across the country.
Event Details
The event in Varanasi is expected to be attended by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and various State Ministers. It is a significant occasion where the government will not only release the PM-KISAN scheme installment but also recognize the efforts of Krishi Sakhis from SHGs.
Krishi Sakhi Scheme and its Progress
The Agriculture Minister also shed light on the Krishi Sakhi scheme, which is a collaborative effort with the Rural Development Ministry. The objective of this scheme is to train 90,000 women from SHGs as para-extension agriculture workers, enabling them to assist the farming community and generate additional income. Currently, over 34,000 Krishi Sakhis have been certified as para-extension workers across 12 states, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
Future Plans for the Agriculture Sector
The government is actively preparing a 100-day plan for the agriculture sector. This plan underscores its commitment to the welfare of farmers and the overall development of the agricultural landscape in the country. Through initiatives like the PM-KISAN scheme and the Krishi Sakhi scheme, the government aims to empower farmers and ensure their prosperity.