The release of the PM-KISAN instalment and the celebration of the 10,000th FPO mark significant milestones in the government’s ongoing efforts to empower farmers and boost the agricultural sector.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today released the 19th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme from Bhagalpur, Bihar, directly benefiting over 9.8 crore farmers across the country. The event, held in the spiritually significant land of Mandarachal during the Maha Kumbh period, also saw the Prime Minister launch several development projects and celebrate a milestone achievement in farmer empowerment: the formation of the 10,000th Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO).
Addressing a large gathering, 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. He highlighted the direct transfer of funds, totalling approximately ₹3.7 lakh crore since the scheme’s inception, into the accounts of farmers, emphasising the government’s commitment to eliminating intermediaries and ensuring that every penny reaches the intended beneficiaries. He specifically mentioned the approximately 75 lakh farmer families in Bihar who are beneficiaries of the scheme, receiving around ₹1,600 crore in this instalment.
The Prime Minister reiterated his government’s dedication to the four pillars of a developed India: the poor, farmers, youth, and women. He asserted that farmer welfare remains a top priority for both the central and state governments. He outlined the government’s efforts to address the multifaceted challenges faced by farmers, from providing high-quality seeds and sufficient fertilisers to ensuring irrigation facilities, livestock protection, and disaster relief. He criticised previous governments for neglecting these crucial needs, highlighting the current government’s proactive approach.
10,000th FPO
PM Modi emphasised the government’s success in ensuring adequate fertiliser supply, even during the pandemic, and contrasted the affordable prices of urea in India with the exorbitant prices in other countries. He stated that the central government has borne the cost of urea and DAP, saving farmers approximately ₹12 lakh crore over the past decade. He also underscored the importance of the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, which has provided ₹1.75 lakh crore in claim payouts to farmers affected by natural disasters.
A key highlight of the event was the Prime Minister’s celebration of the formation of the 10,000th FPO. He lauded this achievement as a significant step towards empowering small farmers. “Today, the land of Bihar has witnessed the formation of the 10,000th FPO,” he announced, congratulating all FPO members across the country. He emphasised that FPOs are not just organisations but a powerful force for increasing farmers’ income by providing them with collective bargaining power and direct access to markets. He noted that approximately 30 lakh farmers, including a significant number of women, are connected to FPOs, which are now conducting business worth thousands of crores in the agricultural sector. The FPO registered in Khagaria district, Bihar, focusing on maize, banana, and paddy, was specifically mentioned as the 10,000th FPO.
PM Modi also spoke about the government’s focus on promoting animal husbandry to supplement the income of landless and small farmers. He noted the increase in milk production and the role of cooperative milk unions in Bihar. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to support the fisheries sector, which has led to Bihar becoming one of the top five fish-producing states in India.
Bihar’s special products
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of boosting agricultural exports and highlighted the government’s initiatives to promote Bihar’s special products, such as Makhana and Bhagalpuri silk, in global markets. He announced the formation of a Makhana Vikas Board to support farmers engaged in its cultivation, processing, value addition, and marketing. He also mentioned the establishment of a National Institute of Food Technology and Entrepreneurship in Bihar and the creation of Centers of Excellence in agriculture, including one in Bhagalpur for Jardalu mangoes.
PM Modi reiterated his government’s commitment to infrastructure development in Bihar, mentioning the construction of bridges over rivers, the widening of highways, and the development of rail connectivity. He also discussed the government’s efforts to mitigate flood damage and bring more land under irrigation. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to preserving India’s cultural heritage, mentioning the establishment of a central university at Vikramshila.
The event was attended by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and several Union Ministers, underscoring the collaborative efforts towards farmer welfare and the development of Bihar. The release of the PM-KISAN instalment and the celebration of the 10,000th FPO mark significant milestones in the government’s ongoing efforts to empower farmers and boost the agricultural sector.
Sixfold increase in agriculture budget
On the occasion, union minister Dr. Jitendra Singh also lauded the strides made in India’s agricultural sector, highlighting a sixfold increase in the union agriculture budget, from ₹21,933.50 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1,27,290 crore in 2025-26.
The union minister proudly announced that the government would be disbursing ₹22,000 crore to 9.8 crore farmers as part of this instalment. With ₹3.46 lakh crore already distributed in 18 instalments, the PM KISAN program continues to play a pivotal role in supporting farmers’ livelihoods. In a bid to further strengthen the program, Dr. Singh revealed that 30 lakh more farmers have been added as beneficiaries under the PM KISAN scheme.
The Union Minister also highlighted the increase in the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) limit from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, which will significantly improve access to credit for farmers, enabling them to invest in modern agricultural practices and equipment.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also unveiled the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, a new initiative aimed at identifying 100 districts for agricultural advancement, thereby ensuring that targeted resources and technologies are provided to boost productivity in these areas.
He emphasised the transformation in India’s agricultural ecosystem over the last decade, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi the champion of farmers’ welfare. He recalled the Prime Minister’s vision of doubling farmers’ incomes and enhancing agricultural technologies to supplement their efforts.
“Over the past decade, we have witnessed a significant transformation in agriculture, with the government ensuring fixed support to farmers. Initiatives like soil health cards, Kisan Credit Cards, financial inclusion, and advanced technologies, such as drone usage for spraying pesticides and fertilisers, micro-irrigation in high-altitude areas, and the expansion of irrigation facilities, have played a crucial role,” said Dr. Singh.
He emphasised that these efforts not only benefit agriculture but also contribute significantly to the Indian economy, with agriculture being the prime mover of India’s growth.
