Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan releases the 21st installment of PM-KISAN in advance for flood affected J&K farmers
New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today released the 21st installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme in advance to flood- and landslide-affected farmers of Jammu and Kashmir via video conferencing from Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Agriculture Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, and senior officials were present at the simple ceremony. Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Minister Shri Javed Ahmad Dar, other public representatives, officials, and farmers joined the program virtually. Under today's installment, ₹171 crore was transferred directly to the bank accounts of approximately 8.55 lakh farmers, including 85,418 women farmers. A total of ₹4,052 crore has been provided to farmers in Jammu and Kashmir under the PM-KISAN scheme so far.
On this occasion, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the Central Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, stands shoulder to shoulder with the farmers of Jammu and Kashmir affected by floods and other disasters. "We will help all affected farmers and others overcome this crisis," he said. This installment of the PM-KISAN scheme is a significant relief, enabling farmers to continue their essential work. Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that he will not leave any farmer alone in this time of crisis. The Central Government is providing all possible assistance through its various schemes and assistance programs. Further assistance will be provided to affected residents as per existing provisions.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that a memorandum has been received from the Jammu and Kashmir government regarding the damage to approximately 5,100 houses, for the reconstruction of which the Union Ministry of Rural Development has allocated ₹85.62 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. A special proposal has also been approved, which, in addition to the basic assistance amount, will also provide funds for toilet construction and MNREGA funds to help people rebuild their homes. Furthermore, upon receiving a proposal from the state, the Rural Development Ministry will provide 150 days of wages under MNREGA instead of 100 days, providing additional livelihood support to affected families.
Shivraj Singh stated that the Central Government is fully prepared to provide seeds, fertilizers, and other essential needs for restarting farming. Under the "Must-Field-Own-Sand" policy, the State Government has granted permission to sell sand. Upon receiving a proposal from the State, there is also a provision for providing funds under the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) if needed. Shivraj Singh also stated that upon receiving a proposal from the State under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, the Union Agriculture Ministry will make arrangements to transfer funds to the accounts of affected farmers.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and State Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmed Dar also spoke at the event and expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the Central Government. Both the ministers also thanked Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for his visit to the affected area recently.