Empowering Farmers, Strengthening Agriculture: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Addresses Patna Gathering on PM-KISAN 20th Installment
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed a massive audience of farmers, officials, and other dignitaries in Patna, Bihar, on the occasion of the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. The event was also attended by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sinha, Cooperative Minister Shri Prem Kumar, and several senior officials. The gathering took place in the auspicious month of Sawan, and it was a celebration of India’s farmers and their dedication and commitment to food security.
Shri Chouhan reaffirmed that “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and farmers are its soul. To serve our farmers is not merely our duty, it is our responsibility.”
Emphasizing Bihar’s agricultural and cultural background, he lauded the state’s farmers, especially women farmers at the function for their important contribution. Shri Chouhan also made historical references, calling attention to the past sacrifice and intellectual legacy of the land and to Champaran’s integral contributions to Mahatma Gandhi’s movement, and to spiritual places such as Bodh Gaya and the Ganges basin.
Shri Chouhan replicated comments made in previous addresses in regard to the government intention to make agriculture more profitable, resistant, and sustainable. Under the PM-KISAN scheme, an over ₹ 3.77 lakh crore has been distributed to its beneficiaries via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to farmers bank accounts.On this occasion alone, ₹20,000 crore was disbursed to lakhs of farmers across India—an important financial support mechanism for small and marginal farmers.
The Union Minister also emphasized the government’s multi-pronged efforts to enhance agricultural productivity, especially in underperforming regions. Priority initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Yojana seek to enhance yield per hectare via cutting-edge technology and best practises. He emphasised Bihar’s leadership role with Makhana production, and increased convergence of research with agricultural practices on-the-ground.
Regarding input support, Shri Chouhan indicated that farmers would continue to have timely and adequate access to fertilizers and pesticides. He also emphasized government efforts to help farmers crop insurance and compensation for losses, which will help reduce farmers’ exposure to climate risks and market vagaries. Most importantly, he reiterated that all Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) are now calculated at the cost of production + 50% profit—examples of a genuine “farmer-first” policy.
The Minister concluded by underlining the transformational role of DBT, ensuring that every rupee reaches the intended beneficiary without middlemen or leakages. “Earlier, a farmer would receive only a fraction of what was sent. Now, the entire amount is credited directly to their account, ensuring transparency and trust,” he said.
The programme concluded with a collective commitment to uplift the farming community and strengthen India’s agricultural foundation—ensuring food security, rural prosperity, and national progress.
#FarmersFirst#KisanSammanNidhi#PMKISAN#printpublication #modernagriculturetimes
