Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit his parliamentary constituency Varanasi on June 18 for the first time after starting his third consecutive term. During this visit, he will release the 17th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme, amounting to over Rs 20,000 crore, benefiting 9.26 crore farmers across the country.
In addition, Modi will present certificates to more than 30,000 members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) who have been trained as ‘Krishi Sakhis’ to work as para-extension workers, supporting fellow farmers with agricultural practices. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the government’s commitment to the agriculture sector and the Prime Minister’s dedication to farmers.
The PM-KISAN scheme, launched in 2019, is a direct benefit transfer initiative. Under this scheme, beneficiary farmers receive an annual sum of Rs 6,000 in three equal installments to supplement their financial needs. Chouhan mentioned that the Centre has disbursed over Rs 3.04 lakh crore to more than 11 crore farmers since the scheme’s inception.
Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and various state ministers are expected to attend the event in Varanasi. Chouhan also highlighted the Krishi Sakhi scheme, a collaborative effort with the rural development ministry, which aims to train women from SHGs as para-extension agriculture workers to assist the farming community and generate additional income.
The government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers and the overall development of the agricultural landscape in the country is evident, with ongoing efforts such as the Krishi Sakhi scheme and the preparation of a 100-day plan for the agriculture sector.
