Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to release the 23rd instalment of the PM-Kisan scheme on June 20, transferring Rs 18,880 crore directly into the bank accounts of more than 9.44 crore farmers across the country. The event will take place during his visit to Tarakeswar in Hooghly district, West Bengal.
Total Disbursement Under PM-Kisan
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that this disbursement will bring the total amount transferred under the flagship income-support scheme since its launch in 2019 to over Rs 4.46 lakh crore. In West Bengal alone, over 45.35 lakh farmers will receive around Rs 907 crore under the latest instalment, pushing cumulative payments in the state beyond Rs 15,055 crore.
Direct Benefit Transfer Mechanism
Chouhan emphasized that the funds will be credited through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, which strengthens the income security of small and marginal farmers.
Launch of Crop Insurance Schemes
During the visit, the Prime Minister will also launch the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) in West Bengal, with a combined outlay of about Rs 12,200 crore. The government aims to provide crop insurance coverage to nearly 1.10 crore farmers across 30 lakh hectares during 2026-27, covering crops valued at around Rs 28,140 crore.
Digital Agriculture Mission and Agri-Tech Platform
As part of the Digital Agriculture Mission, Modi will launch an Agri-Tech platform offering a unified interface for fertiliser distribution, Kisan Credit Card services, DBT benefits, and MSP-based government procurement.
National Natural Farming Mission
The Prime Minister will also launch the National Natural Farming Mission in West Bengal. Under this programme, 346 natural farming clusters covering 17,300 hectares will be established in the state during 2026-27. The initiative is expected to benefit 43,250 farmers through bio-based inputs, training, and market linkages, supported by bio-resource centres and 'Krishi Sakhis'.
Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana
Modi will further launch the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana in Purulia, Darjeeling, Alipurduar, and Jhargram districts. This scheme aims to boost agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification, and strengthen post-harvest infrastructure such as storage and processing facilities.
Inauguration of Rural Road Projects
During the visit, Modi will inaugurate 49 rural road projects worth over Rs 213 crore under PMGSY-III. These projects, covering more than 315 km, are expected to improve market access for farmers and enhance connectivity to schools and healthcare facilities in remote areas.
Virtual Participation
More than one crore farmers are expected to join the programme virtually from across the country. The event will also be attended by West Bengal Governor RN Ravi, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, and Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Shantanu Thakur, and Sukanta Majumdar.
