Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday, 30 October 2026, congratulated the state's farming community as Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, channelling ₹161 crore directly to farmers in Uttarakhand. The transfer is part of a nationwide disbursement aimed at providing direct income support to eligible cultivators across India.

What CM Dhami Said

Addressing farmers on the occasion, Chief Minister Dhami described the release as a milestone, crediting the Centre's commitment to transparent and grassroots-level delivery of agricultural benefits. He extended his congratulations to farmers and thanked Prime Minister Modi and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for their continued support to the sector.

'I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the farmers of Uttarakhand. It is a privilege to be present among the farmers on the historic occasion of the transfer of the 24th instalment of the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi Yojana by Prime Minister Modi,' Dhami said.

Beneficiary Numbers Double in Seven Years

Highlighting a significant expansion of the scheme in the state, Chief Minister Dhami noted that the number of Uttarakhand farmers receiving PM-KISAN benefits has doubled in nearly seven years since the programme's launch. He attributed this growth to improved outreach and grassroots transparency, and framed it as evidence of deepening trust in what he called the 'double-engine government' — referring to BJP governments at both the Centre and the state.

'This is not just a figure but a reflection of the growing trust in our double-engine government and proof that the benefits of this important scheme are reaching farmers at the grassroots level with complete transparency,' he added.

Food Security and Farmers' Dignity

CM Dhami underlined the indispensable role of farmers in sustaining national food security, drawing a direct parallel with the armed forces. 'I have always said that the reason our borders are secure is our soldiers, and our food security is owed to our hardworking farmers on farms,' he said. The remarks reflect a recurring theme in the ruling party's agrarian messaging — elevating the status of the farming community on par with national defence.

Broader Welfare Measures

Beyond the cash transfer, the Chief Minister cited several complementary Central initiatives benefiting Uttarakhand cultivators, including the Soil Health Card scheme, which equips farmers with detailed data on soil quality and fertility. He also referred to measures addressing crop losses due to natural calamities and steps to raise agricultural incomes more broadly. These initiatives, Dhami said, collectively aim to boost productivity, improve livelihoods and help farmers lead lives of greater dignity.

What's Next

With the 24th instalment now disbursed, attention will turn to the pace of on-ground benefit delivery, particularly in hill districts of Uttarakhand where terrain and connectivity have historically slowed transfer uptake. The doubling of beneficiary numbers over seven years suggests improved penetration, but the state government's claim of complete grassroots transparency remains subject to independent verification. The next instalment cycle will be watched for continued expansion of the beneficiary base.