Relief for Disaster-hit Farmers in Jammu Kashmir: Centre Releases Rs 171 Crore under PM-KISAN

SRINAGAR: In a significant gesture of support to flood and landslide-affected farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday released in advance the 21st instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. The move is aimed at providing immediate relief to thousands of affected families struggling to recover from recent natural disasters, a PIB handout said.

The minister released the instalment through a video conference from Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi, in the presence of Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Agriculture Secretary Dr Devesh Chaturvedi, ICAR Director General Dr Mangi Lal Jat, and other senior officials. Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, along with state officials and farmers, joined the event virtually.

Under this tranche, Rs 171 crore has been directly transferred to the bank accounts of 8.55 lakh farmers across Jammu and Kashmir, including more than 85,000 women beneficiaries. With this instalment, total disbursements to the Union Territory’s farmers under the PM-KISAN scheme have reached Rs 4,052 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, Chouhan reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the people of Jammu and Kashmir during this period of hardship. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we will ensure that no farmer is left alone in this hour of crisis. The advance release of this PM-KISAN instalment is a crucial step to help them meet immediate needs,” he said.

The Union Minister also announced that the Centre has sanctioned Rs 85.62 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-Gramin) for the reconstruction of approximately 5,100 damaged houses in Jammu and Kashmir. The financial package also includes assistance for toilet construction and additional support under MGNREGA, helping affected families rebuild their homes.

To further assist rural livelihoods, Chouhan declared that the number of MGNREGA workdays would be increased from 100 to 150 for affected households once the Jammu and Kashmir government’s proposal is received. “This will ensure that people get sustained employment and income support during the rebuilding phase,” he said.

Chouhan added that the Centre is ready to extend every possible assistance under existing relief mechanisms, including the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), based on the UT government’s request. He assured that efforts were underway to revive agricultural activities through the timely provision of seeds, fertilisers, and other essential inputs.

The minister also referred to the Jammu and Kashmir government’s recent permission for sand sales under the ‘Jiska kheth, uski reth’ policy — allowing farmers to use local resources to restore their lands and infrastructure.

On crop insurance claims, Chouhan said that compensation would be promptly transferred to insured farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) once the UT government submits its formal proposal. “The funds will go directly into the accounts of affected farmers without any delay,” he said.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who joined the event, lauded the Agriculture Ministry’s swift action and thanked the Centre for its sensitivity towards the suffering of farmers in Jammu and Kashmir. “The timely intervention of the Government of India reflects its deep commitment to the welfare of farmers in even the remotest regions,” Dr. Singh said.

Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar expressed gratitude to the Union Government, saying that the advance release of funds would bring much-needed relief to thousands of families who have lost crops, livestock, and homes. “We are grateful to Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for his personal visit to the affected districts and his proactive approach in ensuring rehabilitation support,” Dar said.

As Jammu and Kashmir continues to recover from the recent floods and landslides, today’s announcement underscores the Centre’s assurance that all necessary support will be extended to the affected population. Chouhan concluded the event by reiterating, “All possible assistance will be provided to the people of Jammu and Kashmir during this time of crisis. The government stands firmly with them until normalcy is fully restored.”