Guwahati, Oct 29 — Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the latest instalment under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme would benefit more than 18 lakh farmers in the state, strengthening their livelihoods and supporting agricultural activities.
In a post on X, Sarma highlighted the importance of supporting farmers at a time when the world is preparing for a potential foodgrain crisis. He said India was extending support to farmers through various measures to build a resilient and vibrant agricultural ecosystem.
"At a time when the world is preparing for a foodgrain crisis, India is supporting its farmers through every means to make a resilient and vibrant farm ecosystem," the Chief Minister said.
He added that the latest PM-KISAN instalment would empower more than 18 lakh farmers in Assam and strengthen their livelihoods and farming activities.
The scheme, launched by the Centre in 2019, provides income support of Rs 6,000 annually to eligible landholding farmer families in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000 each, subject to prescribed eligibility conditions.
The financial assistance is intended to help farmers meet agricultural and household expenses, including the purchase of seeds, fertilisers and other essential inputs. The direct benefit transfer mechanism ensures that eligible beneficiaries receive the money directly in their bank accounts.
The scheme is among the Centre's key initiatives to supplement farmers' income and provide financial assistance to small and marginal agricultural households. It also seeks to reduce the immediate financial burden on cultivators and support continuity in farming operations.
Agriculture remains a major source of livelihood in Assam, where a significant section of the population depends on farming and allied activities. Timely financial assistance is particularly important for cultivators who face seasonal expenditure, uncertain weather conditions and fluctuations in agricultural input costs.
Sarma's remarks underline the state government's emphasis on farmer welfare and the role of central assistance in supporting rural livelihoods.
The Chief Minister said the initiative would help strengthen the state's farming community as India seeks to build a more resilient agricultural sector amid concerns over global food security.