Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 21st instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) today, while Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated a host of agricultural and rural development initiatives in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh. As part of the nationwide rollout, ₹500 crore was directly transferred into the bank accounts of roughly 25 lakh farmers in the State, officials said.
Direct Benefit Transfer: Immediate Relief for Farmers
The 21st PM-Kisan instalment — a cash transfer of ₹2,000 per eligible farmer — was formally released from Coimbatore by the Prime Minister and credited to beneficiaries across India. In Chhattisgarh, the State-level ceremony in Dhamtari saw the distribution of ₹500 crore to about 24.7 lakh farmers, forest lease beneficiaries and PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group) families, the state government said.
At the public programme, Union Minister Chouhan handed over approval documents for rural road projects worth ₹2,225 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The sanctioned works will construct more than 2,500 kilometres of all-weather roads, connecting nearly 780 villages and strengthening rural market linkages and farm access. Officials said the projects will accelerate movement of produce and lower transportation costs for farmers.
Makhana Board, Krishak Unnati & Agricultural Support
Chouhan announced Chhattisgarh’s inclusion under the National Makhana Development Board to boost production, processing and market access for makhana farmers. The Minister said the expansion will open value-addition and procurement channels for local growers.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced that the Krishak Unnati Yojana’s coverage has been expanded to include pulses, oilseeds and maize — extending support beyond paddy to diversify farmer incomes. The State also reported registration of 2.75 lakh new farmers under PM-Kisan and the transfer of nearly ₹494 crore in the current tranche
Infrastructure, Irrigation and Procurement Gains
The State government highlighted approval of ₹2,800 crore to complete 115 pending irrigation projects, intended to bring reliable water to lakhs of hectares. Officials also emphasised strengthened paddy procurement arrangements, with procurement rates and quantity ceilings updated to support farmers’ incomes.
Thousands of farmers and villagers attended the Dhamtari event. Agricultural kits, implements and sanction letters were distributed on the spot, and an exhibition showcased rural infrastructure schemes, technologies, and women’s self-help group enterprises.
Security, Governance and Political Messaging
Union Minister Chouhan used the platform to underscore the Centre’s policy landmarks and to claim a decisive reduction in Naxal violence in the region due to coordinated operations. He credited policy and governance changes for restoring development momentum to previously conflict-affected areas.
Chief Minister Sai reiterated the State’s development priorities — farmer income, natural and organic farming, irrigation and millet promotion — and said the government remains focused on channeling benefits to smallholders and tribal communities.
What This Means for Farmers
Analysts say direct transfers under PM-Kisan, when combined with expanded road connectivity and irrigation investments, can reduce post-harvest losses and raise net incomes by lowering input and logistics costs. The inclusion of new crops under Krishak Unnati and makhana development may also help diversify revenues for marginal farmers in Chhattisgarh’s tribal belt.