New Delhi: — Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to release the 18th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme, amouting to Rs 20,000 crore, during a special event in Washim, Maharashtra. This significant disbursement will directly benefit over 9.4 crore farmers across the country, as confirmed by an official statement. The funds will be disbursed through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring that the financial support reaches eligible farmers efficiently.
Alongside the central disbursement, Maharashtra will receive an additional Rs 2,000 crore under its own Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana, further aiding local farmers. With this latest release, the total amount disbursed under the PM-KISAN scheme since its inception will surpass Rs 3.45 lakh crore, supporting more than 11 crore farmers nationwide. Launched on February 24, 2019, the PM-KISAN scheme provides Rs 6,000 annually to landholding farmers in three equal instalments, significantly bolstering their financial stability.
Maharashtra has been a major beneficiary of this scheme, receiving approximately Rs 32,000 crore through 17 instalments, helping around 1.20 crore farmers. In this 18th instalment alone, about 91.51 lakh farmers in the state will receive more than Rs 1,900 crore. During the event, Prime Minister Modi will also unveil several innovative projects aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity.
Among these is an indigenous sex-sorted semen production technology, which is expected to reduce costs by approximately Rs 200 per dose. In addition, he will introduce a Unified Genomic Chip for cattle and buffalo, developed by the animal husbandry department. Farmers will also benefit from the dedication of five solar parks with a combined capacity of 19 MW under the MSKVY 2.0 scheme, providing them with daytime electricity and opportunities for additional income through land leasing.
The event will also feature the dedication of 9,200 Farmer Producers Organisations (FPOs) and the e-distribution of awards for 3,000 MW under the KUSUM-C scheme, showcasing the government's commitment to empowering farmers across the nation. Notable attendees at the event will include Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan, Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis.
Around 2.5 crore farmers are expected to participate through webcasts at various centres nationwide, with states and Union Territories celebrating the day as PM-KISAN Utsav Divas. The release of the 18th instalment under the PM-KISAN scheme marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to support the agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of farmers throughout India.