Did Over 75,000 Farmers in Manipur Receive Rs 18 Crore Under the 20th PM-KISAN Instalment?

New Delhi, Aug 2 (NationPress) More than 75,000 farmers in Manipur were granted financial support amounting to around Rs 18 crore as part of the 20th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In this round, Rs 21,000 was deposited directly into the bank accounts of over 9.7 crore farmers nationwide. Additionally, the Prime Minister provided over 7,400 assistive aids to beneficiaries with disabilities and the elderly, as part of a comprehensive initiative aimed at uplifting rural communities.

To commemorate this event, the ICAR Research Complex for the NEH Region, Manipur Centre at Lamphelpat, in conjunction with its Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), held a special gathering. The event saw attendance from Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor of the Central Agricultural University, Imphal; Dr. Ch. Basudha Devi, Head of the ICAR Manipur Centre; Peter Salam, Director of the Department of Agriculture, Government of Manipur; and other significant officials.

A live telecast of Prime Minister Modi disbursing the funds was streamed for the audience. Selected farmers were also gifted crop seeds during the event.

Thiyam Robin Singh, a beneficiary from Thiyam Konjin in Imphal East, expressed gratitude for the government support but raised concerns about the amount being insufficient, especially with escalating farming costs. He reminisced about previously requesting PM Modi to enhance the annual assistance to Rs 8,000 during his visit to Manipur, to which the Prime Minister assured he would consider it.

Peter Salam stated, “Farmers currently receive Rs 6,000 annually. This is a beneficial scheme that aids their farming endeavors. I thank Prime Minister Modi for this ongoing support.”

Thiyam Robin Singh further remarked, “This is an excellent scheme. It assists us in purchasing seeds and managing fundamental farming needs. However, we hope for an increase in the amount, given the inflation and rising input costs.”

In Chhattisgarh’s Balod district, the 20th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme offered substantial relief to farmers, with Rs 25.28 crore directly credited to the accounts of 1,21,723 farmers in the district.

The scheme allocates Rs 6,000 annually to each eligible farmer, distributed in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000 every four months. The Aadhaar-based payment system has proven especially beneficial during critical farming periods, such as transplantation and fertiliser application.

Om Prakash Sahu, a Balod farmer, noted, “This scheme is immensely advantageous. It arrives at a crucial time and supports the rural economy. I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for initiating such a thoughtful program.”

Another farmer, Sohan Lal Sahu, echoed similar feelings. “This scheme is a boon for impoverished farmers. We are thankful to PM Modi for consistently providing these benefits.”

In Raipur, farmers also conveyed their appreciation to Prime Minister Modi following the release of the 20th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme.

Jagan Sonkar, a farmer from Balod, remarked, “The Rs 6,000 we receive annually aids us in purchasing seeds, medicines, and fulfilling various farming requirements. We sincerely thank PM Modi. Numerous changes have occurred in the last 15 years — today, farmers enjoy a plethora of facilities and benefits.”

Ram Nishad, another farmer, added, “The Rs 6,000 annual support is directly allocated to farming expenses. This is a tremendous help. Thank you, PM Modi.”

Mukesh Kumar Sonkar raised an additional concern regarding the shortage of fertilisers in Chhattisgarh. “I urge Prime Minister Modi to secure adequate supplies. The Rs 6,000 is beneficial, but the timely availability of inputs is equally crucial.”

Rohit Kumar Singh, also from Balod, stated, “This financial support provides us with significant relief. We utilize it for purchasing medicines and for weddings. It’s a tremendously helpful scheme.”

Rajkumar, another farmer, commented, “The funds are crucial, especially for acquiring essential farming supplies. The government is supporting us, and we are grateful for this.”

In Rajasthan’s Ajmer district, a wave of joy spread through the farming community following the release of the 20th instalment. Farmers reported that the financial aid from PM-KISAN has simplified the purchase of seeds, fertilisers, and other essential farming items.

Farmers expressed deep appreciation to Prime Minister Modi for the central government’s unwavering support, highlighting that the scheme not only fortifies their financial stability but also encourages self-sufficiency in agriculture.

They also recognized the support from Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, whose government granted an additional Rs 2,000 to farmers at the state level. This supplementary aid has proven particularly beneficial for small and marginal farmers.

A farmer from Ajmer remarked, “This collaborative initiative by the central and state governments marks a significant advancement. It offers genuine support during the farming season. We anticipate that such pro-farmer measures will persist in the future, aiding us in achieving self-reliance and bolstering the agricultural sector.”

Since its inception in 2019, Rs 3.69 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers through 19 instalments. The latest 20th instalment aims to fortify income support for millions of small and marginal farmers nationwide, reaffirming the government's ongoing dedication to farmer welfare, rural development, and agricultural prosperity.

Additionally, the release of the 20th instalment coincided with Prime Minister Modi’s visit to his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, where he inaugurated and laid the groundwork for development projects valued at approximately Rs 2,200 crore. These projects encompass road, education, and infrastructure initiatives designed to enhance rural development.

In his address, PM Modi reaffirmed his government's commitment to the welfare of farmers and rural communities. Beginning his speech with “Om Namah Parvati Pataye, Har Har Mahadev,” he stated, “Today I have come to Kashi for the first time since ‘Operation Sindoor’. On April 22, during the Pahalgam terror attack, 26 innocent individuals were tragically lost. The sorrow of those families deeply affected me.”

He continued, “At that moment, I prayed to Baba Vishwanath for strength for the people to cope with their grief. I had promised my daughters that I would seek justice for their ‘Sindoor’, and today, with Mahadev’s blessings, I have fulfilled that vow. I dedicate the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’ to Lord Mahadev.