Srinagar : The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) hosted a live telecast of the national programme for the release of the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme at its Shalimar Campus.
Under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, the event attracted approximately 650 participants, including farmers, university officials, scientists, students, and representatives from various government departments. Key attendees included prominent figures such as Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension at SKUAST-Kashmir, and several directors from the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry departments. During the live address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it was announced that over ₹18,690 crore would be disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to more than 9.34 crore eligible farmer families nationwide. The programme also featured the dedication of 521 agricultural infrastructure units and the inauguration of 12 horticulture clusters, aimed at enhancing agricultural infrastructure and promoting value-chain development in the horticulture sector. The PM-KISAN scheme provides eligible farmer families with annual financial assistance of ₹6,000, distributed in three instalments of ₹2,000 each, directly into their bank accounts. This initiative is designed to support farmers in meeting their agricultural and household needs. The live telecast served as a platform for stakeholders to learn about government initiatives focused on improving agricultural infrastructure, farm productivity, and rural livelihoods. It underscored the necessity for collaboration among agricultural universities, government entities, and farming communities to facilitate access to welfare schemes and support services. SKUAST-Kashmir, through its Directorate of Extension and network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), is committed to enhancing farmer outreach, capacity building, and the dissemination of scientific agricultural technologies throughout Jammu and Kashmir, with an emphasis on improving productivity, profitability, and sustainability in farming practices.
