Over 20 lakh farmers in Assam received a total of Rs 422 crore under the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on Saturday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the installment from Varanasi, transferring Rs 20,500 crore to over 9.7 crore farmers across the country through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The scheme continues to be a major source of financial support for small and marginal farmers.
In Assam, the latest installment aims to ease the financial burden during the ongoing kharif season.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the disbursement will boost rural spending and support agricultural activities in the state.
PM Modi Highlights Government’s Commitment to Farmers
Speaking from Varanasi, PM Modi reiterated that PM-KISAN reflects the government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers.
He said the direct cash support not only strengthens the rural economy but also reduces dependence on informal credit sources.
“Every rupee of this scheme reaches the farmer’s bank account without middlemen.
Our goal is to empower small farmers so that they can invest in seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs,” he said.
The 20th installment takes the cumulative disbursement under PM-KISAN to more than Rs 3.1 lakh crore since its launch in 2019.
The scheme provides Rs 6,000 annually in three equal installments to eligible farmers.
Assam’s Share and Local Impact
According to the Assam Agriculture Department, the state received Rs 422 crore in this tranche.
Officials said the funds would benefit over 20 lakh farmers, covering all districts of the state.
Agriculture experts said that the funds will be crucial this season, especially for paddy cultivation and other kharif crops.
The support comes at a time when some regions in Assam are recovering from drought-like conditions reported earlier this year.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, calling the PM-KISAN scheme a game changer for rural Assam.
He added that the direct cash transfer mechanism eliminates the risk of corruption and delays in delivery.
Strengthening Rural Economy
The PM-KISAN funds are expected to boost rural demand and help farmers purchase essential inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation tools.
Economists point out that direct cash transfers often create a multiplier effect, improving village-level economic activity.
Small and marginal farmers, who form the majority of Assam’s agrarian population, are the primary beneficiaries.
For many of them, this installment coincides with the peak sowing season, making the timing critical for ensuring crop productivity.
Government Urges Farmers to Update KYC
The Union Agriculture Ministry has urged farmers to complete e-KYC formalities to ensure uninterrupted payments under the scheme.
The government has also been working to link land records digitally to prevent duplication and ineligible claims.
Local authorities in Assam have set up special camps in rural areas to help farmers with KYC and Aadhaar verification.
The state government emphasized that timely verification will ensure smooth release of future installments.
Focus on Agricultural Growth
The PM-KISAN scheme continues to play a vital role in India’s rural economy, especially in states like Assam where agriculture remains a primary livelihood source.
Experts suggest that coupling direct financial aid with infrastructure support like irrigation and storage facilities will further strengthen farm income.
The central and state governments are working closely to enhance farm mechanization and crop diversification in Assam.
With the 20th installment now credited, the government expects farmers to invest in better inputs, improving productivity and rural prosperity.
Read more about PM-KISAN Scheme updates.
Visit the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare for official schemes and farmer support programs.