- Over 2 million Assam farmers received ₹422 crore under the PM-KISAN scheme’s 20th installment.
- The direct benefit highlights the Centre’s continued support for farming families.
- ICAR’s DG calls for urgent scaling up of agricultural research and extension investment.
More than 2 million farmers in Assam received direct financial support totaling ₹422.05 crore through the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.
Meanwhile, Mangi Lal Jat, Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), emphasized the need for increased investment in agricultural R&D.
Boost for Assam Farmers: ₹422 Crore Transferred as Experts Push for R&D Growth in Agriculture
The PM-KISAN scheme has become a cornerstone of the government’s rural strategy, ensuring that farming families receive direct cash support without intermediaries. With over 2.031 million beneficiaries in Assam alone, the recent transfer underlines the program’s scale and reach. Officials noted the funds were deposited directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, enabling timely assistance for seasonal needs.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised the scheme for its continued support to the farming community, calling it a symbol of national gratitude. Agriculture Minister Atul Bora echoed this sentiment, highlighting the positive economic ripple effects in rural areas. Both leaders credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for sustaining the initiative’s momentum.
While financial aid is critical, experts warn that long-term growth depends on innovation. Mangi Lal Jat’s remarks underscore the disparity between India’s current R&D spending and what’s needed to remain competitive globally. He noted that inadequate spending on extension services—just 0.095%—hampers farmer access to vital information and technologies.
India’s agricultural growth averaged only 3.6% between 2014 and 2023, trailing the broader economy’s 5.9% rate. Jat argued that to reach a 6% growth target for agriculture, a policy shift toward innovation, knowledge dissemination, and infrastructure development is essential. Increasing R&D and extension funding will be key to building resilience and improving productivity in the face of climate and market challenges.
Financial support through PM-KISAN continues to uplift farmers, but sustained progress demands bold investments in research and rural innovation.
“The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.” — Masanobu Fukuoka
