New Delhi, Aug 2 – More than 75,000 farmers in Manipur have received financial assistance worth around Rs 18 crore under the 20th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.
Across India, over 9.7 crore farmers received direct benefit transfers amounting to Rs 21,000 crore. As part of the nationwide event, assistive devices were also distributed to 7,400 divyangjan and elderly beneficiaries.
In Manipur, a special programme was held at ICAR Research Complex, Lamphelpat, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendras. Key attendees included Central Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Dr Anupam Mishra, ICAR Manipur Head Dr Ch. Basudha Devi and Agriculture Director Peter Salam. Selected farmers were given crop seeds, and the live telecast of PM Modi’s address was screened.
Beneficiary Thiyam Robin Singh from Imphal East expressed gratitude but said the Rs 6,000 annual support was inadequate due to rising farming costs. He recalled requesting an increase to Rs 8,000 during the Prime Minister’s visit.
Similar sentiments were echoed in Chhattisgarh’s Balod district, where Rs 25.28 crore was credited to over 1.21 lakh farmers. Farmers said the timely assistance helps purchase seeds, fertilisers and medicines, though some flagged issues like fertiliser shortages.
In Rajasthan’s Ajmer district, the instalment brought relief to farmers, many of whom praised the state government’s additional Rs 2,000 support.
Since its launch in 2019, PM-KISAN has transferred Rs 3.69 lakh crore through 19 instalments. The scheme, which provides Rs 6,000 annually in three equal instalments, continues to be a key pillar of rural support.
Releasing the funds from Varanasi, PM Modi reiterated his government’s commitment to farmer welfare, rural development and self-reliance in agriculture.
