Prime Minister Narendra Modi disbursed the 18th installment of the PM KISAN scheme, benefiting 9.4 crore farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in Washim, Maharashtra. The event launched initiatives totaling ₹23,300 crore, featuring Indigenous Sex-Sorted Semen Technology and the Unified Genomic Chip for livestock, aimed at enhancing breeding efficiency and genetic quality.
Unified Genomic Chip for Livestock
The launch of the Unified Genomic Chip, known as the “Gau Chip” for cattle and the “Mahish Chip” for buffaloes, was announced. This DNA-based technology will allow farmers to identify superior bulls at an early age, facilitating informed breeding decisions. By enhancing the genetic quality of livestock, this initiative is expected to bolster milk production and overall farm productivity.
Indigenous Sex-Sorted Semen Technology
The new sex-sorted semen technology is designed to improve livestock breeding efficiency by ensuring the birth of female calves, which can boost milk production and overall livestock productivity. Developed by the National Dairy Development Board, this technology will allow farmers access to high-quality semen at a significantly reduced cost—now available for ₹250 per dose, down from ₹800. This affordability is expected to empower farmers, particularly smallholders, by improving their breeding practices and increasing productivity.
Support for Farmers through Financial Initiatives
The event saw the announcement of direct financial benefits to over 9.4 crore farmers across the country through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. This scheme, now in its 18th installment, has disbursed a total of ₹3.45 lakh crore since its inception, highlighting the government’s commitment to rural development.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, all landholding farmer families will receive income support of ₹6,000 per year, distributed in three equal installments. This financial assistance aims to help farmers procure inputs for healthy crops and optimal yields, with payments directly transferred to their bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer, subject to certain exclusions.
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Agricultural Infrastructure Development
Alongside these technological advancements, the event highlighted the completion of 7,516 agricultural infrastructure projects under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. This fund aims to enhance post-harvest management and community farming assets, with over ₹1,929 crore allocated to projects that improve storage, processing and logistics for farmers.
Formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
The government has also focused on creating a robust support system for small and marginal farmers through the establishment of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). With around 9,200 FPOs formed so far, benefiting 24 lakh farmers, these organizations have collectively achieved an annual turnover of over ₹1,300 crore, enhancing the economic stability of farming communities.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
Five solar parks with a total capacity of 19 MW have been dedicated under the MSKVY 2.0 scheme to support sustainable farming. These parks will provide farmers with daytime electricity and additional income opportunities through land leasing, integrating renewable energy into agricultural practices. The dedicated solar parks are: (i) Dhondalgaon, Cha. Sambhaji Nagar (3 MW), (ii) Bamni Bk., Nanded (5 MW), (iii) Kondgiri, Kolhapur (3 MW), (iv) Jalalabad, Akola (3 MW) and (v) Palshi Bk., Buldhana (5 MW).
The event also included the e-Distribution of Letters of Award for approximately 3,000 MW under the KUSUM-C (MSKVY 2.0) scheme and Social Development Grants to Gram Panchayats, further promoting renewable energy solutions in agriculture. These initiatives represent a comprehensive effort to modernize the agricultural sector in India, improving productivity, supporting farmers financially, and enhancing the sustainability of farming practices.
