New Delhi, October 7 (KNS): In a significant relief measure for the flood and landslide-affected farmers of Jammu & Kashmir, Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Tuesday released the 21st installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme in advance.

The minister disbursed rupees 171 crore via video conferencing from Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi, transferring funds directly to the bank accounts of 8.55 lakh farmers, including over 85,000 women. With this release, the cumulative financial assistance under PM-KISAN to Jammu & Kashmir farmers has reached ?4,052 crore.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Agriculture Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, ICAR Director General Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, and other senior officials attended the event. Jammu & Kashmir Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, public representatives, and farmers joined virtually.
Chouhan said that the central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to standing firmly with farmers during natural disasters. He described this installment as a crucial lifeline to help affected farmers manage urgent agricultural and household needs.

The minister also announced that the Union Rural Development Ministry has sanctioned ?Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel85.62 crore under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) for the reconstruction of around 5,100 homes damaged due to floods and landslides. The aid package also includes financial support for toilets and MGNREGA funds to help families rebuild.

Further, Chouhan revealed that MGNREGA workdays for the affected families may be extended from 100 to 150 days, pending the Jammu & Kashmir government’s formal proposal. This step aims to provide additional livelihood opportunities during the recovery phase.

He said the central government is prepared to supply seeds, fertilisers, and other essential agricultural inputs to help farmers resume cultivation. The Jammu & Kashmir administration has also approved the sale of sand under the ‘Jiska kheth, uski reth’ policy to support local income generation.

Chouhan confirmed that assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and NDRF will follow, depending on proposals submitted by the J&K government. Compensation under PMFBY will be directly credited to insured farmers’ accounts.

Union Ministers Dr. Jitendra Singh and Javed Ahmad Dar thanked the Centre for its swift and proactive support.(KNS)