New Delhi, Aug 2 (NationPress) Over Rs 3.77 lakh crore has been directly credited to the accounts of farmers under the PM-Kisan scheme so far, as stated by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday.

During the event in Patna marking the release of the 20th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana, Chouhan emphasized that agriculture forms the foundation of the Indian economy and that farmers are its very essence.

“Our ultimate duty is to serve these farmers,” he expressed to the audience.

Highlighting Bihar's rich agricultural and cultural heritage, Chouhan remarked, “The wisdom and diligence of this state are unparalleled. This land was the site of Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Satyagraha, which redefined India's path to freedom.”

The minister reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to making agriculture lucrative. On this occasion, over Rs 20,000 crore was credited to farmers' accounts, providing critical financial support to countless farming families nationwide.

Chouhan also stressed initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Yojana aimed at enhancing agricultural yield per hectare, especially in areas with low productivity.

He underscored the importance of Makhana production in Bihar and the ongoing efforts to integrate agricultural science with practical farming.

The Union Minister reassured the audience about the timely and sufficient availability of fertilizers and pesticides, discussing various schemes that offer compensation in the event of crop failure.

He mentioned that crops are now procured at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), which includes a profit margin of 50 percent over the production cost, reflecting the government's farmer-focused approach.

Chouhan highlighted welfare measures for farmers, stating that through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), the government is ensuring that financial assistance reaches farmers directly.

“In the past, farmers would receive only a fraction of the Rs. 1 sent by the government, but now they receive the full amount without any leakage,” he concluded.