PM-Kisan 23rd Instalment: ₹18,880 Crore to be Disbursed to 9.44 Crore Farmers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to release the 23rd instalment of the PM-Kisan scheme on June 20, marking a massive liquidity injection into India's agricultural sector. The government will transfer ₹18,880 crore directly into the bank accounts of over 9.44 crore farmers across the nation.

Massive Financial Support via Direct Benefit Transfer

The upcoming disbursement, scheduled to take place in Tarakeswar, Hooghly district, underscores the government's commitment to the income security of small and marginal farmers. By utilizing the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, the scheme ensures that funds reach intended beneficiaries without intermediaries.

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the scale of this flagship initiative, noting that since its inception in 2019, the total amount transferred under PM-Kisan has now crossed the ₹4.46 lakh crore milestone. In West Bengal alone, the current instalment will distribute approximately ₹907 crore to more than 45.35 lakh farmers, pushing the state's cumulative PM-Kisan payments beyond ₹15,055 crore.

Strengthening Crop Insurance and Digital Agriculture

Beyond direct cash transfers, the Prime Minister will launch significant agricultural safety nets in West Bengal. A combined outlay of approximately ₹12,200 crore will be directed toward the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS). The government has set an ambitious target to provide insurance coverage to nearly 1.10 crore farmers across 30 lakh hectares by 2026-27, protecting crops valued at ₹28,140 crore.

To modernize the sector, a new Agri-Tech platform will be launched under the Digital Agriculture Mission. This unified interface is designed to streamline fertilizer distribution, Kisan Credit Card services, DBT benefits, and MSP-based government procurement, bringing much-needed technological integration to rural farming.

Focus on Natural Farming and Rural Infrastructure

The visit will also mark the launch of the National Natural Farming Mission. In West Bengal, the government plans to establish 346 natural farming clusters covering 17,300 hectares during 2026-27. This initiative aims to benefit 43,250 farmers through bio-based inputs, specialized training, and improved market linkages supported by 'Krishi Sakhis'.

Furthermore, the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana will be introduced in districts including Purulia, Darjeeling, Alipurduar, and Jhargram to boost productivity and post-harvest infrastructure. Supporting this agricultural push is a significant investment in rural connectivity; the Prime Minister will inaugurate 49 rural road projects worth over ₹213 crore under PMGSY-III. These projects, spanning more than 315 km, are critical for improving market access for farmers and connecting remote areas to essential services.

Key Takeaways

  • Scale of Disbursement: ₹18,880 crore will be transferred to 9.44 crore farmers, bringing the total scheme outlay since 2019 to over ₹4.46 lakh crore.
  • Insurance & Tech Push: A ₹12,200 crore outlay for crop insurance and the launch of a unified Agri-Tech platform aim to digitize and protect the farming community.
  • Holistic Development: The government is integrating direct cash support with natural farming missions, post-harvest infrastructure, and ₹213 crore worth of rural road projects.