Varanasi/Dehradun (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Narendra Modi digitally transferred over Rs 20,500 crore to the bank accounts of more than 9.71 crore farmers across the country as part of the 20th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. From this, Rs 184.25 crore was credited to 8,28,787 beneficiary farmer families in Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami joined the event virtually from Garhi Cantt, Dehradun.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Dhami said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to doubling farmers’ income and improving their standard of living. With the 20th instalment of PM-KISAN, farmers in Uttarakhand have now received more than Rs 3,300 crore under the scheme.”
He added that since 2014, several historic measures have been taken for farmers’ welfare under the Prime Minister’s leadership. “From increasing the minimum support price of major crops to providing crop insurance through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and implementing the Soil Health Card scheme, the government has ensured fair prices, disaster relief, and scientific guidance to improve soil fertility and productivity,” Dhami said.
State-Level Initiatives for Farmers
The Chief Minister outlined a series of state initiatives aimed at supporting farmers:
• Interest-free loans of up to Rs 3 lakh.
• 80% subsidy on farm equipment through the Farm Machinery Bank Scheme.
• Free canal irrigation for farmers.
• Allocation of Rs 200 crore for polyhouse construction.
• A bonus of Rs 20 per quintal on wheat purchases and a Rs 20 per quintal hike in sugarcane price.
Dhami also highlighted horticulture policies, including the Apple Policy, Kiwi Policy, State Millet Mission, and Dragon Fruit Policy, implemented at a cost of ₹1,200 crore, with subsidies of up to 80% to promote crop diversification.
“Uttarakhand has secured first place in achieving sustainable development goals set by NITI Aayog. The state has also emerged as a leader in reducing unemployment, cutting the rate by 4.4% in one year, and became the first in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code,” Dhami noted. He further said that the state’s anti-copying law has enabled over 24,000 youth to secure government jobs.
Awards and Recognitions
Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi shared that Uttarakhand was awarded the title of “Best State in Millet Sector” for 2023-24 at the International Nutri-Cereal Convention in Hyderabad. The state also received national recognition for its work in the Soil Health and Fertility Scheme and organic agriculture.
Additionally:
• Farmer Harsh Singh Dangwal from Sunkiya village in Nainital won the Organic India Award.
• Uttarkashi secured second place in the “One District-One Product” category for red rice.
• Haridwar and Tehri districts ranked first and second, respectively, in the PM Crop Insurance Scheme.
