In a significant move to provide immediate relief to flood and landslide-affected farmers in Jammu & Kashmir, the Central Government today released the 21st installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme in advance.
Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the release through video conferencing from Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi, transferring ₹171 crore directly to the bank accounts of 8.55 lakh farmers, including over 85,000 women beneficiaries.
The event was attended by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Agriculture Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, ICAR Director General Dr. M. L. Jat, and other senior officials. The Jammu & Kashmir Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, along with farmers and state representatives, joined virtually.
With this installment, farmers in Jammu & Kashmir have received a total of ₹4,052 crore under the PM-KISAN scheme, reflecting the government’s continued commitment to ensuring financial stability for the farming community.
Chouhan emphasized that the Central Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stands firmly with the people affected by natural calamities. He assured that no farmer will be left without support during this crisis. “The early release of this installment is aimed at helping farmers recover and resume agricultural activities at the earliest,” he said.
As part of the broader rehabilitation package, the Union Ministry of Rural Development has approved ₹85.62 crore under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) for the reconstruction of around 5,100 damaged houses, including support for sanitation facilities and livelihood assistance under MGNREGA.
Chouhan also announced an increase in MGNREGA workdays from 100 to 150 for affected households, following the Jammu & Kashmir government’s proposal, ensuring additional income opportunities for rural families.
Highlighting the government’s proactive measures, he stated that the Centre is ready to support the revival of agricultural operations by providing seeds, fertilisers, and other essential inputs. He further mentioned that farmers insured under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) will receive compensation once the state submits its proposal, guaranteeing direct benefit transfers to their accounts.
Jammu & Kashmir government has also initiated the “Jiska kheth, uski reth” (the sand belongs to the one who owns the field) policy to enable sand sales for local livelihood recovery.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and J&K Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar lauded the Centre’s swift intervention and the personal commitment shown by Chouhan, who recently visited the affected areas to assess the situation firsthand.
With timely financial aid, infrastructure support, and livelihood initiatives, the PM-KISAN relief for farmers in Jammu & Kashmir marks a comprehensive effort by the Centre to restore normalcy and strengthen rural resilience in the Union Territory.
Source: PIB Delhi
