Image Source : Krishi Jagran
In a landmark move reaffirming the government’s commitment to rural welfare, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme on August 2, 2025, from Varanasi. The disbursement, amounting to ₹20,500 crore, was transferred directly to the bank accounts of over 9.7 crore farmers across India. This installment marks a significant milestone in the scheme’s journey, which has now delivered over ₹3.69 lakh crore in financial aid since its launch in 2019.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, speaking from Patna, echoed the government’s unwavering focus on farmer welfare, emphasizing that agriculture remains the backbone of India’s economy and that no compromise will be made on the interests of farmers.
Key Highlights From The 20th Installment Rollout
- ₹2,000 credited to each eligible farmer via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Total disbursement of ₹20,500 crore across 9.7 crore beneficiaries
- Scheme has cumulatively transferred ₹3.69 lakh crore over 19 previous installments
- Around 25 percent of beneficiaries are women farmers
- Farmers must complete e-KYC, update land records, and verify bank details to qualify
- The release was celebrated as PM Kisan Utsav Diwas, with events held nationwide
Shivraj Chouhan’s Address: Farmers’ Welfare Is Non-Negotiable
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated that farmer welfare is a top priority for the government. He highlighted several complementary initiatives:
- Minimum Support Price (MSP) continues to be determined based on market conditions
- Government procurement ensures fair pricing for grains
- Crackdown on counterfeit fertilizers and seeds to protect crop quality
- Expansion of scientific research from urban centers to rural villages
- Launch of the Kisan Credit Card and crop insurance schemes to support small farmers
Chouhan also emphasized that the PM-Kisan scheme has become a lifeline for small and marginal farmers, especially those who previously struggled to access even ₹5,000 in emergency funds.
Technology-Driven Transparency
The PM-Kisan scheme leverages India’s digital infrastructure to ensure seamless delivery and transparency:
- Aadhaar-linked bank accounts eliminate middlemen
- Mobile apps and portals allow farmers to check payment status and update records
- AI-powered chatbots assist with registration and troubleshooting
- Facial and biometric authentication options for e-KYC completion
This tech-enabled approach has helped reduce fraud, streamline disbursements, and empower farmers with real-time access to their entitlements.
Impact Across States
The scheme’s reach spans every corner of India, with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar among the top beneficiary states:
- Uttar Pradesh: Over 2.25 crore farmers benefited
- Bihar: More than 75 lakh farmers received payments
- Additional support schemes like Krishak Durghatna Kalyan Yojana offer up to ₹5 lakh in case of accidents or calamities
The saturation drive under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra added over 1 crore new farmers in 2023, with another 25 lakh added in the first 100 days of the current government.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Agricultural Prosperity
The PM-Kisan scheme is more than a financial aid program—it’s a strategic tool to stabilize rural incomes, reduce dependence on informal credit, and promote sustainable farming. With the 20th installment now disbursed, the government aims to further expand outreach, improve data accuracy, and integrate more farmers into the formal economy.
Conclusion: A Renewed Commitment To India’s Farmers
Prime Minister Modi’s release of the 20th PM-Kisan installment and Shivraj Chouhan’s reaffirmation of farmer-centric policies signal a robust and inclusive approach to agricultural development. As India continues to modernize its rural economy, schemes like PM-Kisan remain central to ensuring that no farmer is left behind.
Sources: India TV News, MSN, OneIndia, News18, Press Information Bureau, India Today
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