Srinagar, Nov 19 (KNS) : Special programme marking the live release of the 21st instalment of PM-KISAN was held in Srinagar on Wednesday, with Chairperson of the Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board and Minister of State, Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, attending as the Chief Guest.

The event, organised by ICAR–Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH) and Leafy-Greens, brought together beneficiaries of PM-KISAN and experts from the horticulture sector. Dr. Andrabi also participated in a plantation drive, planting saplings to symbolise ongoing horticultural development across the country.

Interacting with farmers and ICAR-CITH staff, Dr. Andrabi heard success stories and discussed government initiatives that are enabling profitable horticultural ventures and strengthening rural livelihoods. She highlighted the transformation of India’s agricultural landscape over the past eleven years.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“Indian agriculture has witnessed an unprecedented resurgence through technological reforms and farmer-centric welfare measures. This new era has empowered rural communities and strengthened the backbone of our nation,” she said.

Participants at the event watched the live release of the 21st PM-KISAN instalment, under which ?18,000 crore was transferred directly to nine crore farmers, a move Dr. Andrabi described as the “world’s largest DBT initiative by any government.”

“The Prime Minister has empowered farmers with transparency, efficiency, and trust. This is the strength of today’s India,” she noted.

Dr. Andrabi applauded the organisers and appreciated the contributions of experts Dr. Geetika Malik, Dr. O. C. Sharma, and Dr. Javed for their work in horticultural research and innovation.(KNS)