Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today (October 7, 2025) released in advance the 21st installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme for flood- and landslide-affected farmers of Jammu and Kashmir. The installment of over Rs 171 crore was transferred directly into the bank accounts of 8.55 lakh farmers, including 85,418 women, via video conferencing from Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. With this, farmers in the Union Territory have received a cumulative assistance of Rs 4,052 crore under PM-KISAN so far.
The programme was attended by Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh, Agriculture Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, ICAR Director General Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, and other senior officials. Jammu & Kashmir Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar, representatives, officials, and farmers virtually joined the event.
Chouhan said the Central Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stands shoulder to shoulder with farmers affected by natural calamities. “We will ensure that no farmer is left alone in this hour of crisis. The release of this PM-KISAN installment is a crucial step to help them meet immediate needs,” he said. The minister highlighted that the Centre is extending support through multiple schemes and relief measures and that further assistance will be provided as per existing provisions.
Highlighting rehabilitation measures, Chouhan said the Union Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned Rs 85.62 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-Gramin) for reconstruction of around 5,100 damaged houses. The package includes financial assistance for toilet construction and additional wages under MGNREGA, enabling families to rebuild their homes. He further announced that MGNREGA workdays for affected households will be increased from 100 to 150 days upon receipt of proposals from the Jammu and Kashmir government.
Chouhan also assured that the Centre is fully prepared to support the revival of agricultural activities, including the provision of seeds, fertilisers, and other essential inputs. Addressing the issue of silt accumulation in fields, he said the Jammu & Kashmir government has permitted the sale of sand under the ‘Jiska kheth, uski reth’ policy and that additional funds could be released under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) if requested. Compensation under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) will be provided to insured farmers once the state government submits its proposal.
Earlier, on September 26, the government had released the 21st installment of PM-KISAN for farmers in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab, transferring relief funds to 2.7 million farmers affected by heavy rains, floods, and drought.
Dr. Jitendra Singh and J&K Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar expressed gratitude for the Centre’s timely intervention, thanking Chouhan for his proactive visit and efforts in ensuring relief and rehabilitation.
