Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, MAR 13:
The Department of Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare, Jammu, today organised a live streaming programme at Baba Jitto Kisan Kendra, Talab Tillo, Jammu, to mark the release of the 22nd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi from the Jyoti-Bishnu International Cultural Centre, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam.
The programme witnessed the presence of Sh. Arvind Gupta, Hon’ble MLA Jammu West, as the chief guest. Among others present were Sh. Ashwani Kumar, Joint Director (Inputs); Sh. Aman Jyoti Sharma, Joint Director (Farms/SLUB); Sh. Manohar Lal Sharma, Chief Agriculture Officer Jammu; Sh. Rakesh Sharma, DSSO, Sh. Anil Angral, Mandal Pradhan, other sectoral heads and officers of the department, besides more than 150 farmers from various parts of Jammu district. Ms. Veena Wazir, AEA conducted the proceedings of the programme.
Meanwhile, Ms. Neetu Gupta (JKAS), Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Sh. Anil Gupta, Director Agriculture Jammu, and Sh. Sanjay Anand Joint Director Agriculture (Extension) Jammu attended the UT-level programme organised for the release of the 22nd instalment of PM-KISAN at the Conference Hall, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & A.H., KVK R.S. Pura, Jammu.
During the national event, the Hon’ble Prime Minister released the 22nd instalment of PM-KISAN amounting to ?18,640 crore, which will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of more than 9.32 crore farmers across the country. The financial assistance aims to support farmers in meeting agricultural input costs and allied expenses, thereby enhancing their overall welfare.
Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Arvind Gupta, Hon’ble MLA Jammu West, described the PM-KISAN scheme as a mark of respect to the nation’s “Annadata” and a significant step towards strengthening the financial security of farming families. He encouraged farmers to adopt modern and scientific agricultural practices to enhance productivity and profitability, and also urged educated youth to explore agriculture as a viable and rewarding profession.
Arvind Gupta added that about 4.20 lakh active beneficiaries of PM-KISAN in Jammu division have benefitted from the present instalment alone, with ?84 crore disbursed today. He further stated that a total of ?1839.27 crore has been disbursed to farmers of the Jammu region under the scheme so far. Highlighting the significance of the initiative, he said that PM-KISAN, one of the world’s largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) programmes, reflects the Government of India’s steadfast commitment to building a robust and inclusive agricultural economy.
Similar live streaming programmes and awareness events were organised across all districts, sub-divisions, blocks and panchayats of the Jammu region by Agriculture Department, making the release of the 22nd instalment a participatory and inclusive celebration of farmer empowerment.
