PM Modi releases 24th PM-KISAN instalment, transfers over Rs 18,680 crore to farmers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dedicated and laid the foundation stones for various development projects worth over Rs 14000 crore to the nation from Banaskantha districtOn the occasion of the nationallevel celebration of PM Kisan Utsav Diwas he released the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi PMKISAN transferring financial assistance directly to farmers bank accounts across the countryThe Prime Minister also inaugurated the Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre BBBRC the new potato expansion facility and the UHTASRS facility of Banas Dairy through virtual means He also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for two new compressed biogas plants of Banas Dairy at Tharad and RadhanpurBesides dedicating two new railway services to Gujarat the Prime Minister inaugurated and launched several development projects worth crores of rupees in the metro anganwadi agriculture and animal husbandry sectorsDescribing farmers as among the strongest pillars of a developed India PM Modi said that the welfare and empowerment of farmers had always remained the governments highest priorityHe said the countrys agricultural budget had increased more than fivefold compared to 201314 The PMKISAN scheme had become an integral part of the lives of small farmers More than 1000 crore had been transferred to the bank accounts of over 50 lakh farmers in Gujarat including approximately 50 crore benefiting thousands of farmer families in BanaskanthaOn Friday more than 18000 crore was transferred to the accounts of nearly 10 crore farmers across the countryThe Prime Minister said that the governments farmeroriented policies and decisions over the past few years had delivered benefits or savings worth more than 50 lakh crore to farmersCiting five major examples he said approximately 45 lakh crore had been directly transferred to the bank accounts of small farmers under PMKISAN More than 85 per cent of the countrys farmers belonged to the smallfarmer category and the government had extended financial assistance to themTo protect Indian farmers from the impact of sharp increases in international fertiliser prices caused by global instability the government had spent approximately 16 lakh crore on fertiliser subsidiesHe said the government had fulfilled its commitment to providing Minimum Support Price MSP to farmers Over the past 12 years more than 24 lakh crore had been paid to wheat and paddy farmers through MSP procurementUnder the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana farmers had received crop insurance compensation exceeding 2 lakh crore over the past 10 to 12 yearsSimilarly the Pradhan Mantri KUSUM Yojana had helped reduce irrigation costs Approximately 12 lakh solar pumps had been distributed under the scheme providing additional electricity to farmers and saving them the expense of purchasing more than 800 million litres of dieselThe Prime Minister said these five major schemes and decisions had collectively delivered financial benefits and savings exceeding 50 lakh crore to farmers increasing their incomes and strengthening the capacity of Indias agricultural sectorPM Modi said agriculture was not merely a means of livelihood but an integral part of Indias tradition and culture Over the past 12 years the government had emphasised the extensive use of science and technology in agriculture and animal husbandryHe cited Soil Health Cards as an excellent example of this transformation Earlier farmers did not have precise information about the type and quantity of fertilisers required for their fields Soil Health Cards had helped modernise farming practices and more than 26 crore cards were now available to farmers across the countryWith climate change posing major challenges to agriculture the government was continuously working to provide farmers with innovative climateresilient seed varieties Approximately 3000 new varieties of seeds had been made available to farmers in recent yearsDescribing animal husbandry as an important pillar of the rural economy the Prime Minister highlighted the significant contribution of rural women to this sectorHe said the government had placed special emphasis on promoting science and technology in the dairy and animal husbandry sectors over the past decade Better animal breeds could increase milk production while timely vaccination and appropriate treatment could protect livestock from diseasesHealthy livestock will also increase the income of my brothers and sisters engaged in animal husbandry he said Referring to the National Gokul Mission the Prime Minister said it was playing an important role in conserving indigenous livestock breeds and improving their quality through scientific methodsThe newly established research centre in Banaskantha would contribute significantly to the breeding and genetic improvement of indigenous cattle breeds such as Gir Sahiwal and Kankrej as well as buffalo breeds such as Mehsana Murrah and Jaffarabadi It would be the countrys first such research centre dedicated to the Kankrej breedHe said modern technologies such as In Vitro Fertilisation IVF were helping livestock farmers pass on the superior qualities of highmilkyielding healthy and lowmaintenance cows to future generationsThe government was also conducting a nationwide free vaccination campaign to protect livestock against diseases such as FootandMouth Disease FMD Approximately 150 crore vaccine doses had been administered so far benefiting the livestock of more than eight crore animal rearers and reducing their financial burdenAs a result of these efforts milk production in the country had increased significantly The average daily milk yield per cow or buffalo which was less than five litres in 201314 had increased to approximately eight litresIndia was witnessing the fastest growth in milk productivity globally and had emerged as the worlds largest milk producer he saidThe Prime Minister said the governments objective was to ensure that livestock farmers earned income not only from milk but also from cow dung and agricultural residuesFor this purpose infrastructure for producing biogas BioCNG and organic fertilisers was being developed in collaboration with cooperative institutions such as Banas Dairy Foundation stones for two new BioCNG plants were laid on FridayHe said the government was committed to improving livestock health increasing milk production and ensuring the productive utilisation of cow dung to enhance farmers incomes Animal husbandry was being transformed from a traditional occupation into a powerful means of increasing farmers earnings and bringing prosperity to rural areasFisheries beekeeping and cooperatives boosting rural prosperityStating that the government was adopting a comprehensive approach to rural prosperity Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi referred to initiatives aimed at developing the fisheries sector and promoting cooperative activities He said Indias seafood exports had more than doubledHe also highlighted beekeeping as an important supplementary occupation for increasing farmers incomes Honey production in the country had doubled over the past 12 years with womens selfhelp groups making a significant contribution to the sector India had now become the worlds secondlargest exporter of natural honeyThe Prime Minister recalled that he had first taken oath as the head of a government on October 7 2001 and completed 25 years of public service in this capacity on October 7 2026He said he initially had no experience of government offices or official files but the love guidance and affection he received from the people of Gujarat had been invaluableRecalling his humble beginnings he said that a person born into a poor family whose ancestors had never even dreamed of becoming village sarpanches had been given the opportunity to serve Gujarat first and subsequently the entire country He said he would remain indebted to the people of Gujarat throughout his life as every citizen of the state had taught him something and guided him on the right pathHe said he had entered public life with just two commitments serving the nation and contributing to national development through the development of GujaratWhatever I have achieved today is because of the people of this country I will remain indebted to all of you throughout my life and will dedicate myself to your service until my last breath he saidReminding people of the severe shortages of water and electricity that Banaskantha and North Gujarat faced 25 years ago the Prime Minister said people had responded positively to his appeal to conserve water and electricity and had transformed the situation through their hard workHe urged people to renew their commitment to conserving water and electricityHe said the availability of Narmada water and modern irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation had transformed Banaskantha Potatoes produced in the district had now gained recognition across the worldBanas Dairy had expanded its cooperative activities to other parts of the country including Kashi setting an excellent example of the strength of the cooperative movementThe capacity of the potatoprocessing plant manufacturing French fries had also been expanded to enable it to procure more potatoes from farmers This would prove highly beneficial to potatogrowing farmersUnder the ongoing cluster development programme for fruit and vegetable producers 12 clusters had been approved for crops including tomatoes potatoes chillies grapes bananas onions oranges pomegranates and cocoaSubsidies were also being provided to farmers for developing new orchards and rejuvenating existing ones The two clusters approved in North Gujarat would particularly benefit potato farmers in Banaskantha and Sabarkantha districtsNew railway services metro expansion and road infrastructureHighlighting infrastructure projects aimed at accelerating Gujarats development the Prime Minister said two new railway services had been flagged off which include the AhmedabadVaranasi Sabarmati Express and the MehsanaBecharajiSabarmati MEMU trainHe also laid the foundation stones for metro projects connecting GIFT City and the airport as part of the expansion of Ahmedabad MetroThe AhmedabadMehsana Highway would be upgraded from four lanes to eight lanesFor the welfare of children and mothers in Gujarat more than 4000 modern anganwadis were inaugurated across the state These facilities would benefit approximately four lakh children and pregnant womenThe Prime Minister said the government was continuously undertaking development initiatives to ensure that every farmer youth woman and daughter of the country moved forward with the vision of a developed IndiaHowever he said that certain elements were uncomfortable with Indias progress and development and attempted to create difficulties whenever the country faced a crisisReferring to the ongoing war situation involving Iran and Gulf countries he said that while India was united in facing global challenges some elements had attempted to spread rumours about fertiliser shortages among farmers and LPG shortages among women creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertaintyHe further said that the intention behind such attempts was to destabilise the country and discredit the government However the government had ensured that farmers did not face any shortage of fertilisers or other agricultural requirements even during the crisisDespite a sharp rise in international prices of fertilisers and their raw materials due to the global conflict the government had ensured that the burden did not fall on Indian farmersHe said that while a bag of urea costing approximately 3000 in the international market was being made available to Indian farmers for less than 300 a bag of DAP fertiliser costing over 5000 internationally was being provided to farmers for just 1350The government was extending financial support to empower farmers and improve their standard of living he saidThe Prime Minister said Indias rapid development journey was generating new hope across the world He called upon citizens to continue moving forward with the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha BharatHe said that on October 31 National Unity Day the nationwide Run for Unity would be organised to strengthen the spirit of national unity inspired by Sardar Vallabhbhai PatelHe appealed to all citizens particularly the youth to participate enthusiastically in the Run for Unity scheduled for the following morningAnnouncing a change in the timing of this years annual National Unity Day celebrations at Ekta Nagar he said that a grand Unity Ceremony would be held at 530 pm on October 31The programme would feature a parade by police and security forces along with various tableauxHe invited citizens from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Kutch to Kamakhya to participate in the event pay their tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and strengthen their commitment to Ek Bharat Shreshtha BharatConcluding his address the Prime Minister congratulated all citizens who had contributed to the development journey launched from the sacred land of BanaskanthaAdressing the farmers welfare programme Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that inspired by the Prime Minister the nation had received the valuable gift of various development projects worth 26092 croreHe said the establishment of a modern breeding centre in Banaskantha would make superior livestock breeds available through new technologies enabling livestock farmers to achieve higher productivity greater prosperity and sustainable livelihoodsRecalling the journey of service dedication and good governance that began in Gujarat under Shri Narendra Modis leadership on October 7 2001 the Chief Minister said it had now propelled India towards becoming the worlds thirdlargest economic powerCongratulating Shri Narendra Modi on completing 25 successful years in public service and making his first visit to his home state after achieving this milestone the Chief Minister extended greetings and best wishes on behalf of the people of GujaratHe said such enthusiasm energy and a strong commitment were possible only through the guiding principles of Nation First and Nagrik Devo Bhava citizens are like godsRecalling the challenges Gujarat faced when Narendra Modi assumed responsibility for the state including shortages of electricity water and road infrastructure the Chief Minister said he had transformed these challenges into opportunities by putting into practice the principle that Gujarat had immense potential and only needed direction and momentumToday Gujarat was leading the country in emerging sectors such as solar rooftop energy renewable energy and green growthExpressing confidence that Gujarat would play a leading role in achieving the vision of Developed India 2047 the Chief Minister said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had instilled unwavering confidence in development among millions of people through the mantra of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas and Sabka PrayasHe expressed confidence that Gujarat would remain at the forefront of building a Viksit Bharat and SelfReliant India under the Prime Ministers leadership when the country completes 100 years of independence in 2047Addressing the gathering Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said he shared a close familial and emotional bond with BanaskanthaHe recalled that around 50 years ago due to the lack of basic facilities such as water and electricity thousands of families including his own had been forced to migrate from Deesa and their native villagesWomen had to travel long distances in search of water while families struggled to arrange fodder for their livestock However PM Modi had made a firm resolve from this very land that Banaskantha would no longer remain backwardsHarsh Sanghavi said the Narmada waters Sujalam Sufalam Canal and drip irrigation had transformed the fortunes of the regionUnder the Prime Ministers guidance Banas Dairy had grown into Asias largest dairy cooperative Earlier livestock farmers received a profit of only 30 crore but today 1400 crore was being transferred directly into their bank accounts Amuls turnover too had increased from 2200 crore to more than 1 lakh croreReferring to remarks made by opposition parties against the Prime Minister Shri Sanghavi said that they had even failed to respect the dignity of the Prime Ministers late father and were conspiring to remove Modi from officeHe called upon the 140 crore citizens of the country to reject such attempts and collectively declare that Modi will not goGujarat Legislative Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had undertaken the remarkable task of transforming the oncearid land of Banaskantha into a green and prosperous regionHe said the Narmada waters Sujalam Sufalam Canal and roundtheclock electricity supply had completely transformed the regionWhenever the Prime Minister visited Banaskantha he introduced new ideas for the upliftment of farmers and livestock rearersBy treating cow dung as wealth rather than waste the Prime Minister had introduced the Gobardhan Yojana which was now generating an annual income of more than 100 crore for livestock farmersInspired by the livestock revolution in Brazil the Prime Minister had also paved the way for improving animal breeds and substantially increasing milk production Chaudhary saidAs part of the PM Kisan Utsav Diwas celebrations financial assistance of more than 18680 crore was transferred to over 934 crore farmer families across the country under the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi schemeOf this amount more than 1051 crore was transferred to over 5233 lakh farmer families in GujaratIt may be noted that through the first 23 instalments of PMKISAN more than 447000 crore had already been disbursed to over 11 crore farmer families across the countryIn Gujarat more than 24137 crore had been transferred to over 6926 lakh beneficiary farmersLive telecast across Gujarat and more than 2100 clusterlevel programmesThe nationallevel programme was telecast live across the country including every corner of GujaratIn the state 34 districtlevel programmes and more than 2100 clusterlevel programmes were organisedMinisters Members of Parliament MLAs elected representatives agricultural scientists and senior officials participated in these programmesDuring the events approval letters under various schemes of the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments were distributed to beneficiary farmers at the respective venuesThe nationallevel programme was attended by Ministers Jitubhai Vaghani Kamleshbhai Patel Pravin Mali Swaroopji Thakor Ramesh Katara and Manisha Vakil Chief Secretary MK Das Members of Parliament Babubhai Desai and Bharatsinh Dabhi District Panchayat President Vasantbhai Purohit MLAs Keshaji Chauhan Aniket Thakor Mavji Desai and Lavingji Thakor secretaries of various departments senior government officials and elected representativesBanas Dairy ViceChairman Bhavabhai Rabari members of the dairys board of directors milk producers a large number of farmers and cooperativesector leaders were also presentThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever