Rs. 17000 Crore transferred by PM to nearly 8.5 Crore farmers under PM-KIASN through direct benefit transfer to Aadhaar linked bank accounts
Rs. 1000 Crore sanctioned to over 2280 farmer societies under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund within 30 days of receiving Cabinet approval for the Central Sector Scheme
Farmers are now ready to be entrepreneurs, in line with the vision of doubling farmers’ income: PM

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today launched a new Central Sector Scheme of financing facility under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund of Rs. 1 Lakh Crore. The scheme will support farmers, PACS, FPOs, Agri-entrepreneurs, etc. in building community farming assets and post-harvest agriculture infrastructure. These assets will enable farmers to get greater value for their produce as they will be able to store and sell at higher prices, reduce wastage, and increase processing and value addition.

Today, only 30 days after Cabinet formally approved the scheme, the first sanction of over Rs. 1000 Crore was made to over 2,280 farmer societies. The event was conducted through video conference and was attended by lakhs of farmers, FPOs, cooperatives, PACS, and citizens joining from across the country.

At the same event, the Prime Minister also released the 6th installment under the PM-KISAN scheme of Rs. 17,000 Crore to nearly 8.5 Crore farmers. The cash benefit was transferred directly to their Aadhaar verified bank accounts with the press of a button. With this transfer, the scheme has provided over 90,000 Crore in the hands of more than 10 Crore farmers since its launch on 01 December 2018. 

Interaction with Primary Agriculture Credit Societies

Prime Minister interacted virtually with 3 Primary Agriculture Credit Societies from Karnataka, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh who are among the initial beneficiaries of the scheme. Prime Minister had an engaging discussion with the representatives of these societies to understand their current operations and how they plan to utilise the loan. The societies informed the  Prime Minister about their plans to build go downs, setup grading and sorting units which will help member farmers secure a higher price for their produce.

Address to the nation

Following his interaction with the Primary Agriculture Credit Societies, in his address to the nation, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in how farmers and the agriculture sector will benefit from the scheme. He said the scheme shall provide a financial boost to the farmers and agriculture sector and increase India’s ability to compete on the global stage.

Prime Minister reiterated that India has a huge opportunity to invest in post-harvest management solutions like warehousing, cold chain, and food processing, and build a global presence in areas such as organic and fortified foods. He also mentioned that this scheme provides a good opportunity for start-ups in agriculture to avail the benefits and scale their operations, thereby creating an ecosystem that reaches farmers in every corner of the country.

Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction with the pace of implementation of the PM-KISAN scheme. He also noted that the scale of the program is so large that the funds released today have reached more people than the entire population of several countries taken together. He also congratulated states for playing an important role in the implementation and assisting farmers through the entire process from registration all the way to disbursals.

The Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, was also present on the occasion.

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund

The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is a medium - long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets through interest subvention and credit guarantee. The duration of the scheme shall be from FY2020 to FY2029 (10 years). Under the scheme, Rs. 1 Lakh Crore will be provided by banks and financial institutions as loans with interest subvention of 3% per annum and credit guarantee coverage under CGTMSE scheme for loans up to Rs. 2 Crore. The beneficiaries will include farmers, PACS, Marketing Cooperative Societies, FPOs, SHGs, Joint Liability Groups (JLG), Multipurpose Cooperative Societies, Agri-entrepreneurs, Startups, and Central/State agency or Local Body sponsored Public-Private Partnership Projects.

PM-KISAN

The PM-KISAN scheme was launched in December 2018 to provide income support by way of a cash benefit to all landholding farmers (subject to certain exclusion criteria) to enable them to fulfill their agricultural requirements and support their families. Under the scheme, the financial benefit of Rs.6000/- per year is provided to eligible beneficiary farmers in three equal installments.

A new dawn for the agriculture sector

These steps are the latest in a series of reforms taken by the Government of India under the guidance of the Prime Minister. These measures will collectively herald a new dawn for the agriculture sector in India and show the government’s commitment to championing the cause of ensuring the welfare and sustainability of livelihoods for the farmers of India.

Click here to read full text speech

Explore More
78ನೇ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ದಿನಾಚರಣೆಯ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಂಪು ಕೋಟೆಯಿಂದ ಪ್ರಧಾನಮಂತ್ರಿ ಶ್ರೀ ನರೇಂದ್ರ ಮೋದಿ ಅವರು ಮಾಡಿದ ಭಾಷಣದ ಕನ್ನಡ ಅನುವಾದ

ಜನಪ್ರಿಯ ಭಾಷಣಗಳು

78ನೇ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ದಿನಾಚರಣೆಯ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಂಪು ಕೋಟೆಯಿಂದ ಪ್ರಧಾನಮಂತ್ರಿ ಶ್ರೀ ನರೇಂದ್ರ ಮೋದಿ ಅವರು ಮಾಡಿದ ಭಾಷಣದ ಕನ್ನಡ ಅನುವಾದ
Annual malaria cases at 2 mn in 2023, down 97% since 1947: Health ministry

Media Coverage

Annual malaria cases at 2 mn in 2023, down 97% since 1947: Health ministry
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
PM Modi participates in Veer Baal Diwas programme in New Delhi
December 26, 2024
PM launches ‘Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan’
On Veer Baal Diwas, we recall the valour and sacrifices of the Sahibzades, We also pay tribute to Mata Gujri Ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji: PM
Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh were young in age, but their courage was indomitable: PM
No matter how difficult the times are, nothing is bigger than the country and its interests: PM
The magnitude of our democracy is based on the teachings of the Gurus, the sacrifices of the Sahibzadas and the basic mantra of the unity of the country: PM
From history to present times, youth energy has always played a big role in India's progress: PM
Now, only the best should be our standard: PM

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in Veer Baal Diwas today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Addressing the gathering on the occasion of the 3rd Veer Baal Diwas, he said their Government had started the Veer Baal diwas in memory of the unparalleled bravery and sacrifice of the Sahibzades. He added that this day had now become a festival of national inspiration for crores of Indians. He further added this day had worked to inspire many children and youth with indomitable courage. Shri Modi lauded the 17 children who were conferred with Veer Baal awards in the fields of bravery, innovation, science and technology, sports and arts today. He added that today’s awardees symbolised the capability of the children and youth of India to excel in various fields. The Prime Minister paid his tributes to the Gurus and the brave Sahibzades on the occasion and also congratulated the awardees and their families.

Recalling the sacrifice of the brave Sahibzades, Shri Modi said it was imperative for today’s youth to know about their saga of bravery and therefore, it was important to recall those events too. He added that it was over three centuries ago on this day the courageous Sahibzades had sacrificed their lives at tender ages. The Prime Minister noted that despite the tender ages of Sahib Zorawar Singh and Sahib Fateh Singh, their courage knew no bounds. He added that the Sahibzades rejected all the temptations of the Mughal Sultanate, endured all the atrocities and chose to embrace the death sentence ordered by Wazir Khan with utmost bravery. Shri Modi remarked that the Sahibzadas reminded him of the valor of Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Tegh Bahadur, and Guru Gobind Singh and this bravery was the spiritual strength of our faith. He added that the Sahibzadas chose to sacrifice their lives but never wavered from the path of faith. The Prime Minister emphasized that Veer Bal Diwas teaches us that no matter how difficult the circumstances, nothing is greater than the nation and national interest. He said “Every act done for the country is an act of bravery and every child and youth living for the country is a Veer Balak”.

“This year's Veer Bal Diwas is even more special as it marks the 75th year of the establishment of the Indian Republic and our Constitution”, said the Prime Minister. He emphasized that in this 75th year of Indian Constitution, every citizen of the country is drawing inspiration from the brave Sahibzadas to work for the unity and integrity of the nation. Shri Modi highlighted that the strong democracy of India was proud that this day was built on the bravery and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas. He underscored that our democracy inspires us towards the upliftment of the last person in society. “The Constitution teaches us that no one is small or big in the country”, said Shri Modi. He added that this principle aligns with the teachings of our Gurus, who advocated for the welfare of all. The Prime Minister stressed that the life of the Sahibzadas teaches us not to compromise on the integrity and ideals of the nation and similarly, the Constitution upholds the principle of India's sovereignty and integrity. He added that the magnitude of our democracy embodies the teachings of the Gurus, the sacrifice of the Sahibzadas, and the mantra of national unity.

“From past till present, the energy of the youth has played a significant role in India's progress”, said Shri Modi. He highlighted that from the fight for independence to the 21st-century movements, Indian youth have contributed to every revolution. The Prime Minister stressed that the world looks at India with hope and expectations because of the power of the youth. He remarked that today, from start-ups to science, sports to entrepreneurship, youth power is driving new revolutions. Hence, he added, the government's biggest focus in policy is empowering the youth. He stressed that all policies, whether for the start-up ecosystem, the future of the space economy, the sports and fitness sector, the fintech and manufacturing industry, or skill development and internship schemes, are youth-centric and aimed at benefiting young people. He further underscored that in every sector related to the country's development, young people are getting new opportunities while their talent and self-confidence was receiving support from the Government. The Prime Minister remarked that in today's rapidly changing world, new needs, expectations, and future directions were emerging. He stressed on the importance of making our youth futuristic, given the shift from traditional software to AI and the rise of machine learning. Shri Modi highlighted that the country started preparing for this long ago with the new National Education Policy, which modernized education and provided an open sky for learning. He emphasized that over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been set up to foster innovation among young children. Shri Modi stated that the 'Mera Yuva Bharat' campaign aims to provide practical opportunities along with education, increase the sense of duty towards society among youth.

Stressing on the importance of staying fit, noting that a healthy youth will lead to a capable nation, Shri Modi said that the 'Fit India' and 'Khelo India' movements aimed to increase fitness awareness among the younger generation. The Prime Minister announced the launch of the 'Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan', which will promote a healthy competition among village panchayats to eliminate malnutrition and form the basis of a developed India.

“Veer Bal Diwas fills us with inspiration and motivates us for new resolutions”, remarked the Prime Minister. He emphasized that our standard should now be the best. He urged the youth to work towards making their respective sectors the best. Shri Modi said “If we work on infrastructure, our roads, rail network, and airport infrastructure should be the best in the world. If we work on manufacturing, our semiconductors, electronics, and auto vehicles should be the best globally. If we work in tourism, our destinations, travel amenities, and hospitality should be the best. If we work in the space sector, our satellites, navigation technology, and astronomy research should be the best”. The Prime Minister remarked that the inspiration for setting such high goals comes from the bravery of the Sahibzadas. He stressed that big goals are now our resolutions. Shri Modi remarked that the country had complete confidence in the capabilities of its youth and underscored that the youth of India, who can lead the world's largest companies, innovate to guide the modern world, and prove their mettle in every major country and field, can achieve anything for their nation when given new opportunities. Therefore, he said, that the goal of a developed India was assured and the success of Atmanirbhar Bharat was certain.

Remarking that every era gave the youth of a country the opportunity to change its destiny, Shri Modi highlighted that during the freedom struggle, Indian youth broke the arrogance of foreign rule and achieved their goals while today, the youth have the goal of a developed India. He stressed that in this decade, we must lay the foundation for rapid development over the next 25 years. The Prime Minister urged the youth to make the most of this time, advance in every sector, and propel the nation forward. He emphasized his vision of bringing one lakh youth into politics, whose families have never been involved in active politics. He added that this initiative was crucial for the next 25 years and encouraged the youth to be part of this campaign to bring a new generation into politics. Shri Modi announced that the 'Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue' would be held at the beginning of next year on Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary. He added that millions of youth from villages, towns, and cities across the country will participate, discussing the vision and roadmap for a developed India.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the in the upcoming decade, especially the next five years, would be crucial for fulfilling the resolutions of Amrit Kaal's 25 years. He highlighted the need to harness the entire youth power of the country. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the support, cooperation, and energy of the youth will take India to great heights. He concluded by paying homage to the Gurus, the brave Sahibzadas, and Mata Gujri ji.

The Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt Annapurna Devi was present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

Veer Baal Diwas is a nationwide celebration honouring children as the foundation of India’s future. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the event and launched ‘Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan’. The programme aims at improving the nutritional outcomes and well-being by strengthening implementation of nutrition related services and by ensuring active community participation.

Various initiatives will also be run across the nation to engage young minds, promote awareness about the significance of the day, and foster a culture of courage and dedication to the nation. A series of online competitions, including interactive quizzes, will be organized through the MyGov and MyBharat Portals. Interesting activities like storytelling, creative writing, poster-making among others will be undertaken in schools, Child Care Institutions and Anganwadi centres.

Awardees of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) were also present during the programme