New Delhi: Prime minister Narendra Modi released 8th instalment of financial benefit of Rs 2,06,67.75 crore to 9.50 crore beneficiary farmers under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on Friday via video conferencing. Prime minister also interacted with farmer beneficiaries during the event. Union Agriculture Minister was also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister said for the first time, the farmers of West Bengal would be getting the benefit of this scheme. He lauded the efforts of the farmers who have made record produce in food grains and horticulture amidst the difficulties during this pandemic. He said government is also setting new records in procurement at MSP every year. Paddy procurement at MSP had set new records and now wheat procurement at MSP is also setting new records. He added that so far this year, about 10 percent more wheat has been procured at MSP, compared to last year. So far, about Rs. 58,000 crores for wheat procurement has reached the farmers’ account directly.

Prime minister remarked that the government is constantly trying to provide new solutions and new options in farming. Promoting organic farming is also one of such effort. Organic farming delivers more profit and is now being practiced across the nation by young farmers. He said that now organic farming is being practised on both banks of Ganga and within a radius of about 5 kilometers, so that the Ganga remains clean.

Prime minister stressed that during this Covid-19 pandemic, Kisan Credit Card’s deadline has been extended and instalments can now be renewed by 30 June. He said more than 2 crore Kisan Credit Cards have been issued in recent years.

On the occasion, union minister for agriculture Narendra Singh Tomar said prime minister’s efforts are always in the direction of good governance, improving life style and doubling farmers’ income. He added that under the leadership of Narendra Modi income-centric policies are being framed for the agriculture sector. Describing PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana as the most comprehensive scheme, Narendra Singh Tomar thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the focus on Gaon, Garib and Kisan and also for transferring more than Rs. 20 thousand crores to bank accounts of nearly 9.5 crore farmers under PM Kisan. The Minister also added that the Agriculture Ministry is putting all-around efforts to achieve 100% saturation under the PM Kisan scheme.

State-wise farmer beneficiaries and amount transferred are as follows: