New Delhi, Dec 25 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi released Rs 18000 crore to more than 9 crore beneficiary farmer families on Friday under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) and offered to hold talks with striking farmers ‘’on all issues with an open mind.’’

The amount was transferred as another instalment under the PM-KISAN scheme directly into the bank accounts of farmer families through video conferencing with the push of a button.

Even as the farmers strike entered 28th day on Friday, the Prime Minister, after releasing the amount, offered to hold talks with the striking farmers ‘’on all their issues and with an open mind.’’

"Today, more than Rs 18,000 crore have been directly deposited in the accounts of farmers, no middlemen, no commissions…Due to our commitment towards farmers, we are ready for discussions on all their issues with an open mind…Our government is ready to talk to those opposing us as long as the discussion is based on facts," the Prime Minister said.

Lashing out at opposition parties, he said they are engaged in ‘’event management’’ and have been supporting the protesting farmers. "Doesn’t the country understand these games? Political parties are engaging in event management...taking selfies...They are exposed before the country.

Under the PM-KISAN scheme, a financial benefit of Rs 6000 a year is provided to each eligible beneficiary farmer directly into his/her bank account. Ever since this scheme was started, more than Rs 110,000 crore have been deposited in the bank accounts of farmers.

Pointing out that only an 'Atmanirbhar' farmer could lay the foundation for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat,’’ the Prime Minister said the government had tried to ensure that a farmer got right price for his produce. The government had given one and a half times more MSP to farmers as recommended by the Swaminathan Committee.

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