Argus News - Breaking News: PM Modi Releases 22nd PM Kisan Instalment, Odisha Farmers Get ₹684 Crore

Bhubaneswar, Mar 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday released the 22nd instalment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme during the PM Kisan Utsav Divas celebrations held in Guwahati, Assam.

Nearly 9.32 crore farmers across the country received financial assistance amounting to ₹19,000 crore. In Odisha alone, more than 34 lakh farmers benefited, receiving a collective sum of ₹684 crore.

At the state-level event organized at the Agricultural Education Hall of OUAT, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi addressed farmers, emphasizing that agriculture is the backbone of society and the true driver of the economy.

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“PM Kisan scheme provides crucial support for small and marginal farmers, enabling them to purchase seeds, fertilizers, and essential farm equipment,” noted CM Majhi.

“While ₹2,000 per instalment may appear modest to some, for small farmers it represents recognition of their hard work and a valuable boost to their livelihood,” highlighted the Odisha Chief Minister.

He urged all eligible farmers to complete mandatory requirements such as e-KYC, land record verification, Aadhaar-bank linkage, and name corrections to ensure uninterrupted benefits.

“Alongside PM Kisan scheme, the state government is implementing the CM Kisan scheme, which provides ₹4,000 annually in two instalments to eligible farmers,” CM Majhi pointed out, adding that “over 6 lakh new beneficiaries” have been added, bringing the “total to more than 51.5 lakh farmers” who have “received assistance worth ₹2,991 crore”. The scheme also covers vulnerable groups, including 3,236 PVTG farmers and over 31,000 urban farmers.

Further, the Chief Minister highlighted the Krushi Vidyanidhi scholarship programme, which supports children of CM Kisan beneficiaries in pursuing higher education in agriculture, medicine, engineering, nursing, and vocational courses.

“In 2024-25, nearly 13,923 students received scholarships worth ₹53.67 crore, five times higher than the previous year,” stated CM Majhi, adding: “For the current academic year, over 68,000 students have applied, with ₹290 crore earmarked for scholarships — a record allocation.”

Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo also addressed the gathering, noting that this year’s first PM Kisan instalment was being disbursed Friday.

“Those who missed out on the 22nd installment, update your Aadhaar-bank linkage and land records to avoid exclusion,” Singh Deo urged farmers. “The funds provided under the scheme are helping farmers improve crop yields, which have already surpassed national averages,” emphasized the Odisha Agriculture Minister.

He also expressed gratitude to PM Modi and CM Majhi for approving new agricultural and fisheries colleges in Mayurbhanj, Balangir, and Sonepur districts, which will further strengthen Odisha’s agricultural education and infrastructure.

Both leaders stressed the importance of crop diversification, climate-resilient farming practices, and innovation to address challenges such as climate change, irregular rainfall, water scarcity, and soil erosion. They reiterated the government’s commitment to doubling farmers’ incomes by promoting pulses, vegetables, fruits, and cash crops alongside traditional paddy cultivation.