PM-KISAN payout to reach farmers soon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 23rd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on June 20, transferring ₹18,880 crore directly into the bank accounts of more than 9.44 crore farmers across the country.

  The transfer will take place during the Prime Minister's visit to Hooghly district in West Bengal and will be made through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The government said the initiative will strengthen income support for small and marginal farmers.

  According to Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, more than 45.35 lakh farmers in West Bengal will receive benefits worth around ₹907 crore under the latest instalment. With this disbursement, the total amount transferred under PM-KISAN in the state will cross ₹15,055 crore.

  At the national level, total payments made under the scheme since its launch in 2019 will exceed ₹4.46 lakh crore, highlighting the scale of direct financial support provided to farmers.

  Apart from releasing the PM-KISAN instalment, the Prime Minister will launch the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) in West Bengal. 

 The two schemes involve a combined outlay of around ₹12,200 crore. The government aims to provide crop insurance coverage to nearly 1.10 crore farmers across 30 lakh hectares during 2026-27. Crops valued at approximately ₹28,140 crore are expected to be covered under the programme.Modi will also launch an Agri-Tech platform under the Digital Agriculture Mission. The platform will integrate services such as fertiliser distribution, Kisan Credit Cards, Direct Benefit Transfer services and procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP).

  In another major initiative, the Prime Minister will launch the National Natural Farming Mission in West Bengal. Under the programme, 346 natural farming clusters covering 17,300 hectares will be established during 2026-27. 

Officials said the latest instalment will provide timely financial support to farmers ahead of the kharif season. The government believes direct cash assistance helps farmers manage input costs, purchase seeds and fertilisers, and strengthen agricultural productivity during the sowing period.

  The government has consistently expanded the PM-KISAN programme to improve rural incomes and strengthen financial inclusion. Regular DBT transfers ensure benefits reach eligible farmers directly, reducing delays and leakages while providing predictable income support for agricultural activities and household needs.   Around 43,250 farmers are expected to benefit through training, bio-based inputs and market linkages. Additionally, Modi will launch the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana in four districts and inaugurate 49 rural road projects worth over ₹213 crore under PMGSY-III to improve connectivity and strengthen rural infrastructure. —PTI