New Delhi: Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Monday released the 21st installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme in advance for farmers affected by floods and landslides in Jammu & Kashmir.
The installment was released through video conferencing from Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi.
Under this instalment, ₹171 crore has been directly transferred to the bank accounts of 8.55 lakh farmers, including 85,418 women farmers. With this release, farmers in Jammu & Kashmir have received a cumulative assistance of ₹4,052 crore under the PM-KISAN scheme so far.
The event was attended by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Agriculture Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, ICAR Director General Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, and other senior officials. Jammu & Kashmir Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, along with other representatives, officials, and farmers, joined the programme virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, Shivraj Singh Chouhan reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to supporting the farming community in Jammu & Kashmir during times of distress.
“The Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi stands shoulder to shoulder with farmers and people affected by floods and other natural calamities. We will ensure that no farmer is left alone in this hour of crisis,” he said.
The Minister highlighted that the Centre is providing all possible assistance through various schemes and relief measures, adding that further aid would be extended as per existing provisions.
Outlining the government’s rehabilitation efforts, Shri Chouhan informed that the Union Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned ₹85.62 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-Gramin) for the reconstruction of around 5,100 damaged houses, as reported by the J&K government. The package also includes financial assistance for toilet construction and additional funds under MGNREGA, helping affected families rebuild their homes.
He further announced that MGNREGA workdays will be increased from 100 to 150 days for affected households upon receipt of a formal proposal from the J&K government, providing additional livelihood support.
Chouhan also assured that the Centre is fully prepared to support the revival of agricultural activities in the region, including the supply of seeds, fertilisers, and other essential inputs. He appreciated the J&K government’s approval for sand sales under the ‘Jiska kheth, uski reth’ policy and noted that additional funds could be released under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) depending on the state’s requirements.
The Minister added that compensation will be provided to insured farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) as soon as the J&K government submits its proposal, ensuring direct benefit transfers to the affected farmers’ accounts.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and J&K Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar also addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude to the Centre for its timely and proactive intervention. They thanked Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan for his recent visit to the affected areas and for prioritising relief and rehabilitation efforts in the region.
