The Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, today broadcast a live national program to farmers to mark the release of the 24th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi. Through this program, organized by the Honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, from Banaskantha, Gujarat, the Samman Nidhi amount was transferred to the accounts of farmers across the country.
Prior to the Prime Minister’s address and the live broadcast, the Institute’s Director, Dr. P.K. Rai, addressed the farmers. He explained the objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana and its importance for farmers, and elaborated on various schemes implemented by the Government of India for agriculture and farmer welfare. He encouraged farmers to take advantage of available government schemes and adopt scientific agricultural practices.
In his address from Banaskantha, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi described farmers as a strong pillar of a developed India and underlined the government’s commitment to agriculture and farmer welfare. He said that the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi has become an important part of the lives of millions of farmer families, and the financial assistance provided to farmers through direct benefit transfer helps meet their needs.
On this occasion, the Institute’s Joint Director, Dr. Pankaj Sharma, interacted directly with the farmers. He emphasized the importance of better farming planning and crop diversification in view of the upcoming Rabi season. He advised farmers to incorporate pulses and oilseeds into their traditional cropping systems, diversify their cropping systems, and make better use of available agricultural resources.
Around 270 farmers from eight surrounding villages enthusiastically participated in this program held on the campus, including 41 women and 229 men. Farmers from villages Bitiya, Kurra, Pachri, Barode, Budera, Beltukri, Madhai, Murra and Bhainsa participated in the program. Sarpanch of village Beltukri, Mr. Santosh Kurre, Mr. Bhuvaneshwar Khunte of village Kurra, Mr. Dushyant Sahu of village Bitiya, along with other public representatives were also present on this occasion.
Farmers actively and enthusiastically participated in the program. This event provided farmers with information about the central government’s farmer welfare schemes, as well as an important opportunity to connect them with scientific agricultural techniques, crop diversification, and sustainable farming practices. Scientists, officers, and other staff from the institute were also present. The program was successfully and effectively conducted by Dr. K.C. Sharma and Dr. Priyanka Meena.