PM Modi Releases Rs 22000 Crore for Farmers, Boosts Bihar’s Development

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the release of the 19th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, transferring approximately Rs 22000 crore directly into the bank accounts of farmers across India. The event, held in Bhagalpur, Bihar, marked a significant moment for the agricultural community, with around Rs 1,600 crore credited to the accounts of nearly 75 lakh farmer families in Bihar alone. Alongside this financial boost, PM Modi inaugurated several development projects, underscoring the government’s commitment to transforming Bihar into a pillar of a developed India, or “Viksit Bharat.”

Addressing a large gathering of farmers, dignitaries, and citizens—many of whom joined virtually—PM Modi highlighted the spiritual and historical significance of the occasion, coinciding with his visit to the land of Mandarachal during the ongoing Maha Kumbh. “It is a great fortune to step into this land, which blends spirituality, heritage, and the potential for Viksit Bharat,” he said. He paid homage to the region’s legacy, mentioning its association with freedom fighter Tilka Manjhi, its reputation as a silk city, and the preparations for Maha Shivaratri at Baba Ajgaibinath.

Empowering Farmers Nationwide

The centerpiece of the event was the release of the 19th installment of PM KISAN, a flagship scheme aimed at providing direct income support to farmers. “Around Rs 22,000 crore has been credited directly into the bank accounts of farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer,” PM Modi announced, emphasizing the scheme’s role in uplifting small and marginal farmers. He noted that over the past six years, the initiative has disbursed approximately Rs 3.7 lakh crore nationwide, with Bihar playing a significant role as a beneficiary state.

PM Modi reiterated his vision of Viksit Bharat, built on four pillars: the poor, farmers, youth, and women. “The welfare of farmers remains a priority for both the central and state governments. Over the last decade, we have worked tirelessly to address every challenge faced by farmers,” he said. He outlined key interventions, including access to modern seed varieties, affordable fertilizers, improved irrigation, livestock disease protection, and disaster relief through the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, which has disbursed Rs 1.75 lakh crore in claims.

The Prime Minister contrasted the current scenario with the past, recalling how farmers once struggled with urea shortages and black marketing. “Today, farmers receive sufficient fertilizers, even during the pandemic, because of our proactive measures,” he said. He highlighted the affordability of urea, available at less than Rs 300 per bag in India, compared to Rs 3,000 in some countries, with the government absorbing the additional costs—amounting to Rs 12 lakh crore over the past decade.

Bihar’s Agricultural Transformation

PM Modi praised Bihar’s strides in agriculture and allied sectors, crediting the collaborative efforts of his government and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He pointed to the state’s rise in milk production, which has contributed to India’s position as the world’s leading milk producer, increasing from 14 crore tons to 24 crore tons over the past decade. In Bihar, cooperative milk unions procure 30 lakh liters daily, injecting over Rs 3,000 crore annually into the accounts of livestock farmers, particularly women, whom he referred to as “Lakhpati Didis.” Nationwide, 1.25 crore such women have emerged, including thousands in Bihar.

The fisheries sector has also seen remarkable growth, with Bihar climbing from the top 10 to the top five fish-producing states in India. PM Modi credited schemes like the Kisan Credit Card for fishermen and initiatives like the Namami Gange campaign, which has bolstered biodiversity, including the Ganga dolphin population in Bhagalpur.

Development Projects for Bihar

Beyond agriculture, PM Modi launched several infrastructure and industrial projects to catalyze Bihar’s development. He highlighted the revival of the Barauni fertilizer plant and the upcoming milk plant in Barauni, set to benefit 3 lakh farmers and create jobs for the youth. A Center of Excellence in Motihari will focus on developing superior indigenous cattle breeds, while a National Institute of Food Technology and Entrepreneurship will position Bihar as a food processing hub in eastern India.

The Prime Minister also announced the establishment of three Centers of Excellence in agriculture—focusing on Jardalu mangoes in Bhagalpur, and tomatoes, onions, and potatoes in Munger and Buxar. Infrastructure projects include a four-lane bridge over the Ganga River, costing over Rs 1,100 crore, and the Western Kosi Canal ERM Project, which will irrigate 50,000 hectares in the Mithilanchal region.

In the textile sector, PM Modi emphasized Bhagalpur’s potential with Bhagalpuri and Tussar silk, announcing modern facilities like dyeing and processing units to boost exports. He also celebrated the formation of the 10,000th Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) in Khagaria, Bihar, focusing on maize, banana, and paddy, connecting 30 lakh farmers nationwide to market opportunities.

A Vision for Purvodaya

PM Modi framed Bihar as the cornerstone of “Purvodaya”—the rise of eastern India—asserting that its development is integral to Viksit Bharat. He criticized past governments for neglecting the state, vowing to restore its historical glory akin to ancient Pataliputra. “We are committed to modern connectivity, road networks, and public welfare schemes,” he said, citing projects like the Munger-Bhagalpur-Mirza Chauki highway and a new rail line from Vikramshila to Kataria.

The event saw the presence of Bihar Governor Arif Muhammad Khan, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Giriraj Singh, Chirag Paswan, and others, reflecting a united front for Bihar’s progress. PM Modi concluded with a call to action, urging farmers and citizens to join hands in building a prosperous future, while extending warm greetings to all beneficiaries of the PM KISAN scheme.

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