The release of the 21st instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme was declared today by the Hon’ble Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, through video conferencing. This instalment has been specially prioritised for the farmers of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand who have been severely affected by recent floods and landslides. Hon’ble Agriculture Ministers, MPs, MLAs, and senior officials of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand, along with representatives of farmer groups also joined the event virtually.

The three States have recently faced severe floods, landslides, and widespread crop losses, causing immense hardship to farming families. In this context, today’s release of PM-KISAN assumes even greater importance. A total of more than ₹540 crore has been directly transferred into the bank accounts of over 27 lakh farmers, including around 2.7 lakh women farmers, across the three States. This support aims to provide timely relief to farmers as they work to recover from the recent calamities.

During the event, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to stand by farmers in every situation. He highlighted that the instalment of ₹2,000 will help farmers meet immediate household needs, procure seeds and fertilizers for the next sowing cycle, and restore their confidence to resume cultivation. He emphasized that beyond financial support, this instalment is a reassurance that the Government cares for every farmer and no one will be left behind in their struggle against natural adversities.

A short documentary film was also played during the video conference, bringing forth the hardships faced by farmers in the three flood-affected States and the measures being taken by the Government to support them in this hour of need. The film can be accessed through the following link https://rb.gy/w673av.

The Agriculture Minister also recalled the visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to the flood-affected areas earlier this month, where he announced comprehensive relief measures including financial assistance of ₹1500 crore, ₹1600 crore, and ₹1200 crore for Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand respectively, in addition to ex-gratia for families of the deceased and the injured, as well as support under the PM CARES for Children scheme. The release of the 21st instalment of PM-KISAN builds on these measures and reflects the Government’s resolve to extend timely help to farming families in their hour of need.

With this release, the cumulative disbursement under PM-KISAN to the three States has crossed ₹13,626 crore since the launch of the scheme on 24th February 2019. The State-wise details of beneficiaries and amount transferred in the 21st instalment are as follows:

Table 1:State-wise beneficiary count and amount transferred in 21st instalment of PM-KISAN

State	No. of Beneficiaries	Amount Transferred (in ₹ Cr.)	Total Amount Transferred since launch (in ₹ Cr.)
Himachal Pradesh	8,01,045	160.21	3,631
Punjab	11,09,895	221.98	6,553
Uttarakhand	7,89,128	157.83	3,442

The timely release of the 21st instalment underscores the unwavering support of the Government of India to its farmers, especially those confronting the dual challenge of natural disasters and livelihood disruption.

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