Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to release the 19th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme from Bhagalpur, Bihar, on February 24, 2025, a significant event expected to benefit millions of farmers across the country. The release will directly inject ₹22,000 crore to eligible farmers’ accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
During the event, PM Modi will address the public at the Airport Ground, where he is anticipated to interact with farmers from neighboring districts including Banka, Begusarai, Khagaria, Purnea, Katihar, Madhepura, Kishanganj, Araria, Lakhisarai, Jamui, and Munger. This occasion not only highlights the governmental support for farmers but also showcases Modi's engagement with constituents as Bihar gears up for assembly elections later this year.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the importance of this installment, stating, "Will have an impact on the entire country as 9.80 crore farmers will be getting Rs 22,700 crore as yet another instalment of Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana." His remarks underline the scale of the PM-KISAN initiative, which has, over the years, allocated more than ₹3.68 lakh crores across 18 installments to assist farmers.
Since its launch on February 24, 2019, the PM Kisan scheme has aimed to reduce farmers’ production costs and encourage investment without the burden of high-interest loans. It provides ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmer households, distributed through three equal installments of ₹2,000 every four months. Farmers, whose eligibility may be verified through the PM Kisan website, must complete their e-KYC to receive this latest payment.
Chouhan's visit on Sunday was aimed at laying groundwork for the PM's visit. He spoke to farmers cultivating foxnuts to discuss plans for the proposed "Makhana Board" as mentioned during the recent budget announcements. Considering the priority bestowed upon agricultural advancements, this initiative emphasizes the government's commitment to farming communities.
Meanwhile, political tensions arose as Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, known as Pappu Yadav, protested what he referred to as "step-motherly treatment" of the Seemanchal-Kosi region. He called for a 'bandh' (shutdown) on the day of the PM's visit to press for the establishment of the Makhana Board in Purnea. Yadav warned, "If need be, we will block train traffic between Delhi and Purnea and Katihar," indicating the seriousness of his demands.
Security measures for the Prime Minister's visit have been tightened, with Bhagalpur District Magistrate Nawal Kishor Choudhary and Senior Superintendent of Police Hriday Kant inspecting all arrangements. Prominent local officials, as well as Union ministers, MPs, and MLs, are expected to attend the function, underscoring its political significance.
The PM-KISAN scheme's methodology has shifted many farming families' financial trajectories by facilitating easy access to funds and fostering agricultural resilience. By ensuring the funds are directly credited to beneficiaries' bank accounts, transparency and accountability are prioritized, enhancing trust in government initiatives.
Gathering attention both for its economic impact and political ramifications, Modi's arrival for the 19th installment release reaffirms his government's commitment to Indian farmers. It will also serve as a platform for discussing broader agricultural policies and future enhancements, particularly amid upcoming elections, as stakeholders await the ramifications of this support.
The PM Kisan scheme remains one of the largest Direct Benefit Transfer schemes globally, continually adapting to address the needs of India's small and marginal farmers. Even with the challenges faced by agricultural sectors, this initiative symbolizes the proactive measures taken to uplift those feeding the nation.