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 scheme on June 20, marking a significant milestone in India's direct benefit transfer efforts. This massive disbursement aims to bolster the financial stability of millions of small and marginal farmers across the nation.
Massive Financial Outlay for Farmer Income Support
In a major boost to the agricultural sector, the government will transfer ₹18,880 crore directly into the bank accounts of over 9.44 crore farmers. The disbursement ceremony will take place in Tarakeswar, Hooghly district, West Bengal. This latest installment brings the total amount transferred under the flagship PM-Kisan scheme since its inception in 2019 to an impressive figure of over ₹4.46 lakh crore.
The use of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism ensures that these funds reach the intended beneficiaries without middlemen, strengthening the income security of the country's agrarian workforce. In West Bengal alone, the impact is substantial, with 45.35 lakh farmers set to receive approximately ₹907 crore, pushing the state's cumulative PM-Kisan payments past the ₹15,055 crore mark.
Expanding Insurance and Digital Agriculture Infrastructure
Beyond direct cash transfers, the Prime Minister will launch several critical agricultural initiatives in West Bengal. This includes the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS), backed by a combined outlay of roughly ₹12,200 crore. The government’s long-term vision is to provide insurance coverage to nearly 1.10 crore farmers across 30 lakh hectares by 2026-27, protecting crops valued at approximately ₹28,140 crore.
Furthermore, the Digital Agriculture Mission will see the launch of a new Agri-Tech platform. This unified digital interface will streamline essential services, including fertiliser distribution, Kisan Credit Card services, DBT benefits, and Minimum Support Price (MSP)-based government procurement, making farming more data-driven and efficient.
Promoting Natural Farming and Rural Connectivity
The Prime Minister will also introduce the National Natural Farming Mission, which aims to establish 346 natural farming clusters covering 17,300 hectares in West Bengal by 2026-27. This initiative is designed to benefit 43,250 farmers through bio-based inputs and specialized training supported by 'Krishi Sakhis'.
To address post-harvest challenges, the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana will be launched across the Purulia, Darjeeling, Alipurduar, and Jhargram districts to improve productivity and storage infrastructure. Additionally, the government is investing in rural logistics, with the inauguration of 49 rural road projects worth over ₹213 crore under PMGSY-III. These projects, spanning more than 315 km, are critical for improving market access and connectivity for remote farming communities.
Key Takeaways
- Direct Impact: ₹18,880 crore will be transferred to 9.44 crore farmers via DBT, bringing the scheme's lifetime total to over ₹4.46 lakh crore.
- Risk Mitigation: A ₹12,200 crore outlay is dedicated to crop insurance schemes to protect farmers against weather-related losses.
- Digital & Sustainable Growth: New initiatives include an Agri-Tech platform for streamlined services and a National Natural Farming Mission to promote bio-based agriculture.