Prime Minister announces PM Kisan Samman Nidhi of Rs 18,690 crore for over 9.34 crore farmers nationwide from Banaskantha

• State’s more than 66 lakh farmers receive Rs 1,335 crore
• Central government prioritises farmer welfare and empowerment, agricultural budget more than five‑fold increase
• Rs 50 lakh crore transferred to farmers in 12 years
• In today’s uncertain times India’s development offers new hope to the world – Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Jaipur, 30 Oct – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday in Banaskantha, Gujarat, launched various inaugurations, foundation‑layings and kick‑offs, dedicating them to the nation and releasing the 24th instalment of the PM‑Kisan Samman Nidhi. Under this instalment, more than 9.34 crore farmers across the country had over Rs 18,690 crore directly credited to their bank accounts. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma joined via video conference from the Chief Minister’s residence.

The Prime Minister said the centre has given priority to farmer welfare and empowerment, resulting in an agricultural budget that is more than five times the 2013‑14 level. He noted that in the past 12 years, policies have resulted in Rs 50 lakh crore reaching or being saved by farmers, with over Rs 4.5 lakh crore already transferred to small‑holder accounts under the PM‑Kisan scheme. Despite global uncertainty driving up food prices, the burden has not been passed on to farmers, and Rs 16 lakh crore has been spent to ensure smooth food availability.

He added that the centre honoured its MSP promise by transferring Rs 24 lakh crore to wheat and paddy farmers’ accounts, and under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana provided Rs 2 lakh crore in crop‑insurance payouts. The government continues to reduce irrigation costs, and under the PM Kusum scheme has supplied farmers with 12 lakh solar pumps, saving over 80 crore litres of diesel and generating electricity.

The Prime Minister highlighted the rise in farmer incomes and the strengthening of agricultural capacity, noting that more than 26 crore Soil Health Cards have been issued nationwide and 3 000 new seed varieties made available. He said livestock and dairy sectors are being modernised, with 150 crore vaccines administered under a vaccination drive.

He said dairy production has surged, rising from less than 5 litres per cow or buffalo per day in 2013‑14 to about 8 litres today, making India the world’s leading milk producer. He also mentioned government support for fisheries cooperatives and the start of a “honey revolution”, positioning India as the second‑largest exporter of natural honey.

The Prime Minister stated that India’s development in this uncertain era offers new hope to the world, and every government effort aims to make India a developed nation. On the birth anniversary of iron‑man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31 Oct), he urged citizens to join the Run for Unity in large numbers and pledge for a ‘One India – Best India’. He recalled completing 25 years as head of the Gujarat government on 7 Oct, saying he has learned to serve the nation through public service and Gujarat’s growth, and will serve the people until his last breath.

At the event, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid foundations for various projects, flagging off two new train services including the Ahmedabad (Sabarmati)–Varanasi Express. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary and many other representatives and a large public audience were present, while chief ministers and other officials joined via video conference.

‘The prosperity of the nation stems from the happiness of the food‑givers’ – Chief Minister

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said the nation’s prosperity is paved by the happiness of its food‑givers. Aligning with this resolve, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 24th instalment of the PM‑Kisan Samman Nidhi, crediting over Rs 18,690 crore to the accounts of more than 9.34 crore farmers nationwide. Rajasthan’s 66 lakh 59 thousand farmer families also benefited, receiving over Rs 1,335 crore. Since its launch in 2019, the scheme has disbursed more than Rs 29,099 crore to the state’s farmers in 23 instalments, and Rs 4,47,000 crore to farmers across India.