Srinagar, Oct 30: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) witnessed the live telecast of the national programme marking the release of the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme at its Shalimar Campus today. Held under the guidance of Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, the programme brought together around 650 farmers, besides university officials, scientists, students, extension functionaries and representatives of various government departments.
The programme was attended by Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir; Shri G. A. Sofi, Secretary Technical, Agriculture Production Department, Jammu and Kashmir; Shri Sartaj Ahmad, Director Agriculture Kashmir; Dr Ashfaq Ahmad Kelan, Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir; Dr. Bashir Amin Kuthu, Director Sheep Husbandry Kashmir; and Smt. Ravdeep Kour, Deputy Secretary, Agriculture Production Department.
The participants witnessed the live address of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi from Banaskantha, Gujarat, during which over ₹18,690 crore was released through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to more than 9.34 crore eligible farmer families across the country under the 24th instalment of PM-KISAN.
The national programme also marked the dedication of 521 agricultural infrastructure units and the inauguration of 12 horticulture clusters, aimed at strengthening agricultural infrastructure, enhancing production efficiency and promoting value-chain development in the horticulture sector.
Under the PM-KISAN scheme, eligible farmer families receive annual financial assistance of ₹6,000 in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each, directly credited to their bank accounts. The scheme provides income support to farmers to help them meet agricultural and household requirements.
The live telecast provided an opportunity for farmers and other stakeholders to gain insights into various government initiatives aimed at strengthening agricultural infrastructure, improving farm productivity and enhancing rural livelihoods. The programme also highlighted the importance of coordination among agricultural universities, government departments and farming communities in facilitating access to farmer welfare schemes and institutional support services.
SKUAST-Kashmir, through its Directorate of Extension and network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), continues to strengthen farmer-oriented outreach, capacity building and dissemination of scientific agricultural technologies across Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on improving farm productivity, profitability and sustainability.
