PM-Kisan 23rd Instalment: ₹18,880 Crore to Benefit 9.44 Crore Farmers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to release the 23rd instalment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme on June 20, marking a massive fiscal boost for India's agricultural sector. The disbursement will see ₹18,880 crore transferred directly into the bank accounts of over 9.44 crore farmers nationwide.
Massive Fiscal Injection 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. Using the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, the government ensures that funds reach beneficiaries without intermediary leakages. Since the scheme's inception in 2019, the cumulative amount transferred under PM-Kisan has surpassed a staggering ₹4.46 lakh crore.
In West Bengal alone, the impact will be significant. Approximately 45.35 lakh farmers in the state are slated to receive around ₹907 crore in this instalment, pushing the state's cumulative PM-Kisan payments beyond the ₹15,055 crore mark.
Expanding Crop Insurance and Digital Agriculture
Beyond direct cash transfers, the Prime Minister will launch a series of initiatives to safeguard farmer livelihoods against climate volatility. This includes the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS), backed by a combined outlay of approximately ₹12,200 crore. The government’s ambitious roadmap aims to provide insurance coverage to nearly 1.10 crore farmers across 30 lakh hectares by 2026-27, covering crops valued at ₹28,140 crore.
To modernize the sector, a new Agri-Tech platform will be introduced under the Digital Agriculture Mission. This platform will serve as a unified digital interface, streamlining fertilizer distribution, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) services, DBT benefits, and Minimum Support Price (MSP)-based government procurement.
Focus on Natural Farming and Rural Infrastructure
The visit will also witness the launch of the National Natural Farming Mission. In West Bengal, the initiative aims to establish 346 natural farming clusters covering 17,300 hectares during 2026-27, benefiting 43,250 farmers through bio-based inputs and specialized training.
Furthermore, the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana will be rolled out across Purulia, Darjeeling, Alipurduar, and Jhargram districts to promote crop diversification and strengthen post-harvest infrastructure like storage and processing units. To complement these agricultural advancements, 49 rural road projects worth over ₹213 crore under PMGSY-III will be inaugurated, covering 315 km to improve market access and essential connectivity for remote farming communities.
Key Takeaways
- Scale of Support: ₹18,880 crore will be transferred to 9.44 crore farmers via DBT on June 20.
- Risk Mitigation: A ₹12,200 crore outlay is dedicated to enhancing crop insurance coverage through PMFBY and RWBCIS.
- Digital & Green Shift: The launch of a unified Agri-Tech platform and the National Natural Farming Mission marks a major push toward tech-enabled and sustainable agriculture.