Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, on June 18, marking his first visit after assuming office for a third consecutive term. The visit will be marked by the release of the 17th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme, amounting to over Rs 20,000 crore, benefiting 9.26 crore farmers across the country. Additionally, Modi will honor more than 30,000 ‘Krishi Sakhis,’ members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) trained as para-extension workers, with certificates.
Key Support for Farmers
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, briefing the media, emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to the agriculture sector. “Agriculture has always been a priority for the PM in his last two tenures. He took several key decisions in the interest of farmers. After taking oath as PM, Modi ji first signed a file related to the release of the 17th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme,” Chouhan stated.
Launched in 2019, the PM-KISAN scheme is a direct benefit transfer (DBT) initiative under which beneficiary farmers receive an annual sum of Rs 6,000 in three equal installments to supplement their financial needs. To date, the Centre has disbursed over Rs 3.04 lakh crore to more than 11 crore farmers across the country since the scheme’s inception.
Acknowledging ‘Krishi Sakhis’
A significant highlight of the event will be the recognition of ‘Krishi Sakhis.’ These women, part of SHGs, have been trained as para-extension agriculture workers, playing a crucial role in disseminating agricultural knowledge and practices among fellow farmers. The Krishi Sakhi scheme, a collaborative effort between the agriculture and rural development ministries, aims to train 90,000 women from SHGs.
Government’s Commitment to Agriculture
In his address, Chouhan highlighted the comprehensive support extended to the agriculture sector. “The government is preparing a 100-day plan for the agriculture sector, emphasizing its commitment to the welfare of farmers and the overall development of the agricultural landscape in the country,” he said.
The initiative has already certified over 34,000 Krishi Sakhis out of the targeted 70,000 across 12 states, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
Notable Attendees
The event in Varanasi is expected to be attended by prominent dignitaries, including Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and various state ministers. This visit underscores the government’s continued focus on enhancing the agricultural sector and supporting the farming community through strategic initiatives and direct benefit transfers.
Prime Minister Modi’s engagement with farmers and para-extension workers highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to bolster agricultural productivity, ensure financial stability for farmers, and promote sustainable agricultural practices across the nation.