New Delhi, Sep 26: The government on Friday released over Rs 540 crore under the 21st instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme, benefiting more than 27 lakh farmers in three flood-affected states — Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand.
Launched in February 2019, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a central sector scheme aimed at supporting the financial needs of land-holding farmers. Under the programme, each eligible farmer receives Rs 6,000 annually, paid in three equal instalments directly into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
An official statement said Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, through video conferencing, announced the release of the 21st instalment, which has been prioritised for farmers in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand, states severely impacted by recent floods and landslides.
“A total of more than Rs 540 crore has been directly transferred into the bank accounts of over 27 lakh farmers, including around 2.7 lakh women farmers, across the three states. This support aims to provide timely relief as they recover from the recent calamities,” the statement added.
The distribution includes Rs 160.21 crore to 8,01,045 farmers in Himachal Pradesh, Rs 221.98 crore to 11,09,895 farmers in Punjab, and Rs 157.83 crore to 7,89,128 farmers in Uttarakhand.
With this instalment, the cumulative PM-KISAN disbursement to the three states has crossed Rs 13,626 crore since the scheme’s inception.
Chouhan emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting farmers in all circumstances. He noted that the Rs 2,000 instalment will assist them in meeting immediate household needs, purchasing seeds and fertilisers for the next sowing cycle, and restoring confidence to resume cultivation.
