Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today attended the virtual event marking the release of the 23rd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K).
The installment was released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who transferred the financial assistance directly into the bank accounts of the eligible farmers from across the country through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.
In Jammu and Kashmir, an amount of approximately ₹4,209.82 crore has been successfully disbursed among 9.17 lakh beneficiaries under the PM-KISAN scheme since its inception, providing vital financial assistance to the farming community.
The Union Territory-level function organised at SKUAST-Kashmir witnessed the participation of Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganie, senior scientists, officers of the Agriculture Production Department, progressive farmers, scholars and other stakeholders.
Speaking on the occasion, Javid Ahmad Dar said that PM-KISAN has emerged as a transformative initiative aimed at providing assured financial support to the farmers and strengthening the rural economy. He said that the timely release of installments enables farmers to meet agricultural input costs, adopt improved farming practices and undertake allied agricultural activities more effectively.
Highlighting the growing significance of agriculture in the face of climate change and emerging environmental challenges, the Minister emphasized that the sector remains the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's economy and a key source of livelihood for a large section of the population.
He stressed the need to promote climate-resilient agriculture, efficient water management, crop diversification and the adoption of modern technologies to enhance productivity and sustainability. The Minister observed that agriculture today is not only a means of livelihood but also a promising avenue for innovation, entrepreneurship and employment generation.
He expressed satisfaction that educated youth, including graduates, postgraduates and Ph.D. scholars in agricultural sciences, are increasingly taking keen interest in agriculture and allied sectors and contributing through research, innovation and field-level interventions for the welfare of the farming community.
He stated that the Jammu and Kashmir Government is undertaking several farmer-centric initiatives aimed at strengthening the extension services, improving access to scientific knowledge and ensuring that farmers are equipped with the latest information and technologies to address emerging challenges.
The Minister reiterated that under the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi Yojana, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 annually in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each. The amount is being directly credited to their bank accounts through the DBT system, ensuring transparency, accountability and efficiency in service delivery.
On the occasion, two publications titled "Khet Bachao Abhiyan" and "Farmer's Scheme Guide" were also released. These publications are aimed at creating greater awareness among the farmers regarding sustainable agricultural practices, government welfare schemes and various support mechanisms available for enhancing farm productivity and income.