New Delhi, Feb 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 19th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme on February 24, transferring around Rs 22,000 crore directly into the bank accounts of 9.8 crore farmers. The initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance farmers’ income.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the release during a press conference on Friday. He stated that each eligible beneficiary under the PM-KISAN scheme will receive an annual benefit of Rs 6,000, disbursed in three equal installments of Rs 2,000 every four months. The 19th instalment will mark a total disbursement of Rs 22,000 crore, benefiting 9.8 crore farmers, an increase from the 9.6 crore beneficiaries in the 18th instalment.
Since its launch in February 2019, the PM-KISAN scheme has become the world’s largest direct benefit transfer (DBT) programme, with a total disbursement of Rs 3.46 lakh crore to farmers so far. This amount is set to rise to Rs 3.68 lakh crore after the release of the 19th instalment.
Chouhan emphasized that the government remains committed to supporting farmers by increasing production, reducing input costs, boosting incomes from produce, and promoting natural farming practices. He also addressed the ongoing talks with protesting farmers in Punjab, confirming that discussions will continue.
The PM-KISAN release event will take place in Bhagalpur, Bihar, where around 2.5 crore farmers are expected to participate either physically or virtually. During the event, PM Modi will also inaugurate a dairy processing unit at Barauni, a centre of excellence under the Gokul Mission, and several rail projects in the state. Chouhan clarified that the event’s timing should not be linked to the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar, as the PM has been releasing instalments from various states.
Additionally, Chouhan will meet Makhana farmers in Darbhanga on February 23 to understand their challenges, and a Makhana Board proposed in this year’s Budget will soon be established.
