Agartala, October 5, 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today disbursed the 18th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme, transferring over ₹20,000 crore directly to the bank accounts of more than 9.4 crore farmers across the country. The nationwide event was held via video conference from Washim, Maharashtra, and was broadcasted live at the State Agriculture Research Center in Arundhutinagar, Agartala.
Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha attended the event virtually at the Agartala center. Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister emphasized that India, being an agrarian nation, cannot achieve overall progress without the development of its farmers. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the initiatives taken since 2014, which have been working towards the welfare of farmers, aiming to uplift their socioeconomic status.
During the event, CM Saha highlighted that ₹47.68 crore had been transferred directly to the accounts of Tripura’s farmers under the 18th installment of PM-KISAN. He also noted that, until the 17th installment, a total of ₹737.49 crore had been provided to 2,69,499 farmers in the state, helping them to purchase essential agricultural tools and supplies.
The Chief Minister further remarked that despite the global economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s agricultural sector ensured the country’s economy remained stable, unlike other industrially dependent nations. He reiterated the state government’s continuous efforts towards agricultural development and shared that nearly 13.89 lakh farmers in the state are covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, with an additional 3.81 lakh farmers under the Mukhyamantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
He also mentioned that the process of creating a Unified Farmer Database in Tripura is underway, with 3,30,500 farmers already registered on the portal. CM Saha spoke about the goal of implementing the Integrated Crop Management program across 75,000 hectares of Aman cultivation, where farmers will receive per-hectare support.
On a broader note, the Chief Minister outlined the state’s efforts to encourage flower cultivation through the Indo-Dutch project and the creation of a Center of Excellence for floriculture at Lembucherra. Similarly, plans for a Center of Excellence for vegetable cultivation in Birchandramanu are in place. The state has also identified 390.30 hectares for flower farming and 129.25 hectares for palm cultivation. Additionally, 20,161 hectares have been designated for organic farming.
CM Saha also praised the Dhalai district’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra, which was recognized as one of the best in the Northeast.
The event saw the presence of MLA Minarani Sarkar, West Tripura Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Balai Goswami, Vice Chairman Biswajit Saha, Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department Apurba Roy, and other dignitaries.
