PM-Kisan benefit reaches Bengal farmers for 1st time

NEW DELHI: PM Modi on Friday said the Centre has transferred around Rs 1,35,000 crore so far under the PM-Kisan scheme with the payment of eighth instalment on Friday. He added that the Centre is also procuring higher quantity of paddy and wheat at MSP to boost farmers’ income.
Out of the total amount disbursed since the launch of the scheme in February 2019, Modi said around Rs 60,000 crore has been transferred during the Covid-19 pandemic, which is helping farmers in these difficult times. The PM on Friday released the eighth instalment of Rs 20,667 crore to more than 9.5 crore farmers under the PM-Kisan scheme via video-conference. “To West Bengal farmers, the benefit has begun to reach for the first time. Today, lakhs of farmers in West Bengal have got their first instalment. Gradually, when the names of farmers are sent to the Centre, the number of beneficiaries will increase,” the PM said.
Under the scheme, which became effective from December 2018, the Centre provides Rs 6,000 per year to eligible farmers in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000.
Addressing the event, Modi said farmers have performed their duties even during this Covid-19 pandemic and helped the country achieve a record production of foodgrains and horticulture crops. The PM said around 10 crore farmers have received the 8th instalment.
Talking about procurement operations, he said the centre has purchased 10% more wheat so far this year at MSP and added that around Rs 58,000 crore payment has been made to farmers directly.