A Farmers’ Day celebration-cum-release of the 20th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme was held at the Women Community Hall, Jalukie town, on August 2.
The event was graced by Dean of College of Veterinary Sciences, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Jalukie, Dr. I. Shakuntala, as the Special Guest, and Dr. Zieleigai Ndang, District Agriculture Officer (DAO), Peren, as the Guest of Honour.
The programme was jointly organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Peren; ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema; and Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Peren.
In her address, Dr. I. Shakuntala said, the PM-KISAN scheme is a flagship initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 with the vision of providing direct income support to farmers across the country. She stated that the Prime Minister’s vision goes beyond financial assistance; it is also about ensuring food security, self-sufficiency, and improved livelihoods for farmers, recognising that empowering farmers is key to building a strong and resilient nation.
Dr. Shakuntala urged farmers to utilise the money received wisely, especially by investing in quality seeds and essential inputs like fertilisers, instead of using aged-old seeds which are not properly stored.
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She also added, as envisioned by Prime Minister Modi, “Viksit Bharat by 2047”, a fully developed India can only be realised through collective effort, dedication, coordination, and unity at all levels, including districts like Peren. Therefore, we must all commit to working sincerely and in full consensus to contribute to this national vision and be proud participants in building a strong, self-reliant, and developed India by 2047.
Dr. Zieleigai Ndang, in his speech, informed that a total of 11,174 farmers have been registered under the PM-KISAN scheme in Peren District. He provided a block-wise breakdown, stating that 2,954 farmers are registered under Ahthibung Block, 3,565 under Jalukie Block, 2,096 under Peren Block, and 2,559 under Tening Block.
He also informed the gathering about the total amount allocated to the farmers of Peren District under the scheme and emphasised the need for proper and judicious utilisation of the PM-KISAN funds. He encouraged farmers to use the financial support for productive farming activities, adding that the profits generated can be used for household needs.
Dr. Ndang clarified that the PM-KISAN scheme is intended specifically for small and marginal farmers to uplift their families and improve their livelihoods, and is not meant for progressive or large-scale farmers. He also urged beneficiaries to document their farming activities by installing signboards, taking photographs, and sharing their success stories with the department for record and recognition.
A major highlight of the event was the live-streaming of the address by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who virtually addressed farmers across the country. This was followed by a virtual interaction between the Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and farmers. As part of the celebration, the 20th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme was officially released, directly benefitting numerous farmers in the region. The scheme provides eligible farmer families with a financial benefit of ₹6,000 per year, paid in three equal instalments, to support their agricultural needs and livelihood.
Following the virtual sessions, a farmer-scientist interaction session was held, where agricultural experts engaged directly with farmers to discuss best practices, innovative technologies, and solutions to local farming challenges.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Dr. Prashant Kalal, SMS-Fruit Science, KVK Peren. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. K. L. Meena, PS & Head, KVK Peren, who highlighted the objectives of Farmers’ Day and the significance of the PM-KISAN scheme. Short speeches were also delivered by C. Dory Yanthan, DFO & PD, ATMA Peren, and Z. James Kikon, CTO-Soil Science, KVK Peren.
