Minister of state for agriculture Ashish Jaiswal, who also attended the Nagpur event, emphasised the critical role of these assured funds in providing relief to farmers facing persistent financial challenges.
PM Modi expressed satisfaction that the PM-KISAN scheme, which has now disbursed nearly ₹22,000 crore in this instalment alone, has proven invaluable to small farmers nationwide.
In Uttar Pradesh, one of the largest sugarcane-producing states, Red Rot and Top Borer diseases have severely impacted yields. Heavy and untimely rainfall and flooding in certain districts have further worsened the situation, spreading the infections to unaffected crops, reducing both sugarcane production and recovery rates.
Eligible projects include warehouses, silos, cold chains, logistics facilities, and smart precision agriculture infrastructure. Loan applicants must contribute at least 10 per cent of the project cost, and an entity can apply for up to 25 projects, each eligible for a loan of up to Rs. 2 crore.
Global temperatures are likely to reach 2°C by 2045. It is estimated that this will trigger a rise in sea levels by several meters, the melting of polar caps, and irreversible damage to critical ecosystems around the world.
Hydroponics uses less water and is more productive than soil-based agriculture and can be carried out all year round. Though hydroponics can be expensive and difficult to install, all it requires at its most basic level is the plants, water, a container and a source of light.
As the 38-day shutdown continues, both sides face mounting pressure. Unless the Torkham crossing reopens soon, the economic and human costs risk becoming permanent scars on bilateral trade.
The coming weeks will determine how the repatriation unfolds and whether diplomatic efforts can alter the course of what many fear could become one of the largest forced migrations in recent history.