Key Facts:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release 23rd installment of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi on June 20.
- Event to benefit around 9.5 crore farmers across the country.
- Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to oversee the transfer of funds.
Details:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 23rd installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi from Tarakeswar in West Bengal's Hooghly district on June 20, marking PM Kisan Utsav Diwas across the country.
The event carries special significance as it comes soon after the BJP formed government in West Bengal. The Prime Minister's decision to release the installment from Bengal is being seen as an important governance message, signalling direct welfare delivery to farmers and closer Centre-State coordination.
Impact:
The release of the 23rd installment comes at a crucial time, just ahead of the Kharif sowing season, when small and marginal farmers need working capital for seeds, fertilizers and other agricultural inputs.
The Centre is also preparing to deal with possible El Nino conditions and delayed monsoon risks. Weekly reviews are being held with states and concerned departments. Contingency plans are being prepared for 197 potentially vulnerable districts, including low-water-consuming crops, alternative crop planning, seed availability and district-level agricultural management.
What You Should Know:
The Centre has approved procurement of moong, masoor and urad at MSP under the PM-AASHA scheme in Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. This will help pulse farmers get remunerative prices if market rates fall below MSP.
A separate discussion will be held with Madhya Pradesh on procurement preparedness.