Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the PM Kisan Samman Sammelan in Delhi. Ahead of Diwali celebrations, Modi at the event released the 12th instalment of financial benefit worth Rs 16,000 crore to over 11 crore eligible farmers under the flagship PM-KISAN scheme.
Under 'One nation one fertiliser', farmers will be provided with cheaper and good quality fertilizers, said PM. With modern technology, government is reducing gap between farm fields and markets, he added.
PM Modi said that new technologies will boost the agricultural sector. "There's a major transformation in the production technology and quality of fertilizers. This will boost the production of agri-products and address all crop-related problems. India will soon emerge as a hub for the efficient production of agri-products globally," said Modi.
"We spend the most buying edible oil, fertiliser and crude oil from other countries. Whenever there's any crisis in foreign countries, it affects us too. Those countries from which we fulfill most of our needs are indulged in war," said Modi.
He also said that giving importance to natural farming has led to a multi-fold increase in production.
Over 13,500 farmers from across the country and around 1,500 Agri-startups are participating in the event. Researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders too are attending the event.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, the eligible farmers are provided with a financial benefit of Rs 6,000 per year in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000 each. The fund is directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.
The scheme was launched in February 2019 but is being implemented with effect from December 2018.
Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Chemicals & Fertilisers Minister Mansukh Mandaviya were present at the programme.
PM Modi also inaugurated the Agri Startup Conclave and Exhibition. An e-magazine on fertilizer 'Indian Edge' was also be launched by the PM during the event.
PM-KISAN is a central sector scheme with 100 per cent funding from the central government. The state government and UT administration identify the farmer families that are eligible for support as per scheme guidelines.
(With inputs from PTI)
