: Mumbai, August 2, 2025

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released the 20th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme from Varanasi today. The PM-KISAN scheme is a central sector scheme launched in February 2019 by the Prime Minister to supplement the financial needs of land-holding farmers. Under the scheme, a financial benefit of Rs 6,000/- per year is transferred in three equal instalments, into the Aadhaar seeded bank accounts of farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.

Highlighting the grand celebration of the farmer festival being held in Varanasi, the Prime Minister announced that ₹21,000 crore had been transferred to the bank accounts of 10 crore farmer brothers and sisters across the country under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Affirming that the government is consistently working towards the prosperity of farmers, Shri Modi contrasted this with previous governments, stating that even a single announcement made in the name of farmers was rarely fulfilled. He emphasized that their government delivers on its promises, citing the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi as a testament to the government’s firm commitment. Shri Modi mentioned that ₹3.75 lakh crore has been transferred directly into farmers’ accounts till date. He highlighted that the most significant aspect of the scheme is that the funds have reached farmers without any deductions or commissions. He stated that this is a permanent arrangement established by his government—there will be no leakage, and the rights of the poor will not be denied.

The programme was joined by Governors, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and Union Ministers of State and State Agriculture Ministers via video conferencing from various parts of the country. Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed a mammoth gathering of farmers, officials and dignitaries in Patna, Bihar. In the state of Maharashtra, four union ministers virtually attended the programme from four locations in the state. While Union MoS for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Ramdas Athawale attended the event from ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) in Mumbai, Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Shri Murlidhar Mohol participated from Agriculture Development Trust at KVK Baramati. At the same time, MoS for Youth Affairs and Sports Ms. Raksha Khadse joined the programme from KVK at Jalgaon, and MoS (I/C) for Ayush & MoS of Health & Family Welfare Shri Prataprao Jadhav participated from KVK Buldhana-II. The Union Ministers who were in Maharashtra stated that this transparent, digital and direct benefit scheme has increased the dignity and confidence of farmers.

MoS Shri Prataprao Jadhav at KVK, Buldhana

MoS Ms. Raksha Khadse at Jalgaon

MoS Shri Murlidhar Mohol at Baramati

MoS Dr. Ramdas Athawale at Mumbai

ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai, organized a significant programme to mark the release of the 20th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Union MoS Dr Ramdas Athawale praised CIFE for its outstanding contribution to fisheries research and education in India. “Fishing is a demanding and skill-intensive profession,” he remarked. “It is the dream of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to strengthen and modernize the fisheries sector.” Highlighting the achievements of the PM- KISAN scheme, launched in December 2018, the Minister noted that lakhs of farmers across the nation have benefited from the financial support provided. He also drew attention to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), designed specifically to uplift the fisheries sector through targeted support for both capture and culture fisheries. Dr. Athawale commended ICAR-CIFE for emerging as a premier institution, not only in education and research but also in advancing social justice and equity through its community- oriented initiatives. As part of the programme, publications from ICAR-CIFE were formally released by the Chief Guest Dr. Athawale. Additionally, under the ICAR-funded project “Swachhta Action Plan and Commercial Utilisation of Fish Waste from Urban Fish Markets”, Swachhata inputs were distributed to fisherwomen, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to sustainability and community welfare. The program was attended by more than 55 fishermen and women from various fishing villages of Versova, Juhu, Madh, Manori etc along with members from FPOs, Fisheries Cooperative Societies, CIFE scientists, staff and students. Acting Director of ICAR-CIFE Dr. Debajit Sarma, Principal Scientists Dr Swadesh Prakash and Dr Arpita Sharma, Senior Scientist Dr. Neha Qureshi were also present on the occasion.

MoS Dr. Ramdas Athawale at ICAR-CIFE in Mumbai

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Sayyid Rabeehashmi/Sriyanka Chatterjee/Parshuram Kor