Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to release the 19th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme from Bhagalpur, Bihar, on February 24, 2025, marking another significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to support farmers. This initiative will provide direct financial assistance of over ₹22,000 crore to more than 9.8 crore farmers across the country, reinforcing the government’s commitment to their well-being.
The PM-KISAN scheme, launched on February 24, 2019, aims to provide financial relief to small and marginal farmers by transferring ₹6,000 annually in three instalments. So far, over ₹3.46 lakh crore has been disbursed to more than 11 crore farmer families. Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, emphasized that the scheme has significantly alleviated financial distress among farmers, helping them purchase essential agricultural inputs without relying on loans.
Bihar has been a key beneficiary of the scheme, with over ₹25,497 crore already transferred to 86.56 lakh farmers. In the upcoming instalment, around 76.37 lakh farmers in the state will receive over ₹1,591 crore. In Bhagalpur alone, 2.48 lakh farmers will benefit from ₹51.22 crore, bringing the total amount disbursed in the district to ₹865.09 crore.
The event in Bhagalpur will be attended by prominent leaders, including Bihar Governor Shri Arif Mohammad Khan, Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar, and Union Ministers Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi and Shri Lalan Singh. Similar events will be held across the country, involving state governments and local administrations. Programs will also be organized in 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to raise awareness about government agricultural initiatives.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate several key projects in Bihar. A major highlight will be the launch of the 10,000th Farmer Producer Organization (FPO), marking the successful completion of a scheme initiated in 2020 to enhance farmers’ collective bargaining power. So far, ₹254.4 crore in equity grants has been provided to 4,761 FPOs, and ₹453 crore in credit guarantees has been issued to 1,900 FPOs.
Additionally, a new Regional Center of Excellence for Indigenous Breeds will be inaugurated in Motihari under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, with an investment of ₹33.80 crore. This center aims to improve cattle breeding and dairy productivity. In Barauni, a state-of-the-art milk product plant, built with an investment of ₹113.27 crore, will be launched to boost the dairy sector.
Infrastructure development will also receive a boost with the inauguration of the Warisaliganj–Nawadah–Tilaiya rail section doubling project, built at a cost of ₹526 crore. This expansion is expected to improve rail capacity and connectivity in the region. Additionally, the Ismailpur–Rafiganj Road Over Bridge, constructed with ₹47 crore, will enhance road transportation and ease congestion.
The government is also taking steps to support makhana farmers in Bihar. Shri Chouhan announced plans to establish a Makhana Board to promote this important crop and provide better facilities to its producers. He will personally meet with farmers at their ponds to discuss their needs and challenges.
The PM-KISAN scheme has brought tangible benefits to farmers across the country. According to an independent study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the financial assistance provided under this scheme has helped farmers reduce debt and increase their willingness to invest in better farming practices. Furthermore, the government has enhanced the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) limit from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, making it easier for farmers to access credit.
With a strong digital infrastructure ensuring transparency, the PM-KISAN scheme has eliminated middlemen and enabled direct benefit transfers. The integration of various digital verification systems, including Aadhaar and income tax databases, has improved the efficiency of the program, ensuring that eligible farmers receive timely support. As the government continues to expand its farmer-centric initiatives, the upcoming release of the 19th instalment stands as a testament to its unwavering dedication to agricultural prosperity and rural development.
