Prime Minister Narendra Modi transferred ₹18,000 crore directly to nine crore farmer families on December 25. He released the financial benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.
Mr. Modi interacted with farmers through video conferencing. The programme comes amid protests by various farmer unions against three farm laws recently enacted by the Modi government. The government has insisted that these reforms are in the interest of farmers.
“Some are spreading rumours that land will be usurped by companies entering into contracts with farmers,” Mr. Modi said, while interacting with a farmer from Arunachal Pradesh.
“We have worked on mission mode to take the benefits of Kisan Credit Cards to every nook and corner of the country,” he added.
The PM congratulated Hari Singh from Haryana’s Fatehabad for adopting crop diversification. Ganesh Bhonsle from Maharashtra’s Latur claimed he paid a premium of ₹2,580 under PM Bima Yojana and received claim amount of ₹54,000 after his soyabean crop was damaged due to rains. Madhya Pradesh farmer Manoj Patidar claimed he had benefited from the new farm laws and sold his soyabean crop to a private firm.
“I am satisfied that money is now being transferred directly to the bank accounts of the farmers without any cut, any commission and cheating. This is good governance."
WB farmers deprived of this benefit
“Some political leaders are playing politics on the farm laws,” Mr. Modi said, interacting with the farmers.
“I regret that only West Bengal farmers are deprived of this benefit. The West Bengal government is not allowing the benefits to its farmers for political reasons. Political leaders rejected by the people are indulging in event management for political gains,” he added.
"Kerala has no APMC and Mandis. These leaders, who ruined West Bengal, should first get the APMC system set up in Kerala. They are misleading farmers of Punjab. These leaders are looking for opportunities for political survival. These leaders should not play with the lives of the farmers and must not mislead them. Those in power earlier left small farmers to fend for themselves. Promises were made, but not kept," he said.
Mr. Modi said, "We studied the agricultural revolutions across the world and worked on reducing the input costs for our farmers. We launched the insurance scheme to protect farmers. We also worked on improving irrigation facilities through micro-irrigation."
"Those who are leading the agitation today sat on the Swaminathan Commission report when they were in power."
"Those shedding tears for farmers today did nothing for their welfare when they were in power and farmers know this."
The PM said, "We need to make agriculture modern in 21st century. We have given better options to the farmers through these laws. The farmers can sell their produce wherever they want."
'Not a single mandi has been shut'
"Farmers can sell their crops at Minimum Support Price, can export it, can sell to an individual and can sell in other states."
He insisted that lots of lies being spread about new laws. He spoke about people spreading rumours that mandis would be shut and MSP would stop after new laws. "Some innocent farmers are also a part of the agitation. And they have sold their crops at MSP," he said.
"Not a single mandi has been shut down after the promulgation of the new laws."
"Farmers are reaping benefits of the new laws. Government is standing firmly with the farmers. Farmers can repeal the contract, but the company cannot do so," he added.
"New farm laws will allow entry of new technology in agricultural sector. Some political groups rejected by the people are not allowing discussion. These people are not seeking to free those accused of violence. They are opposing toll plaza in the guise of farmers movement. Despite the agitation, people have rejected those leading the movement in local elections."
"We are ready for discussion and solution to all problems of farmers with open mind."
"We are even ready to talk to those politically opposing us. But talks can be held only on facts and issues. I urge farmers not to get misled," he added.