Shillong, Aug 2: A state level program to join the nationwide virtual release of the 20th instalment of PM Kisan Scheme was held at the Integrated Agricultural Training Centre, Upper Shillong on Saturday.
The programme was organised jointly by the Directorate of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Krishi Vigyan Kendra East Khasi Hills and the Meghalaya Agricultural Management and Extension Institute.
Farmers from the various C&RD Blocks of the district, officials among others attended the programme.
Director of Agriculture B. Mylliem Umlong in her speech encouraged the farmers to take the opportunity in availing the PM Kisan Scheme. She explained in detail the various aspects and requirements of the scheme.
An interaction between government officials and farmers was also conducted.
The live streaming of the program held at Vanarasi UP and attended by Prime Minister was webcasted to the attendees.
In this instalment, over 9.7 crore farmers across the country will receive direct financial assistance of approximately Rs 20,500 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency and eliminating any role of middlemen.
The CAU-KVK South Garo Hills also witnessed the launch at Chokpot. A total of 219 farmers attended the program.
Dr Athokpam Haribhushan, Principal Scientist & Head, Aking Nokmas of three villages attended the programme as special guests and encouraged the farmers to improve agricultural activities by purchasing agricultural inputs with the monetary benefit from the scheme for uplifting their livelihoods.
The ICAR-KVK West Garo Hills Hosts also hosted the programme which was attended by 100 PM Kisan beneficiaries and farmers.
Dr. Tarun K Das, SMS (Agricultural Extension) provided an overview of the program. He also gave a brief introduction to the various farmer-oriented activities and initiatives undertaken by KVK to promote sustainable agriculture in the region.
Talks on integrated pest management (IPM), soil testing and the benefits of applying fertilizers, climate-smart rice cultivation and the importance of resource conservation technologies, fish farming were held.
Dr. Monica Suresh Singh, Senior Scientist and Head of the KVK urged participants to ensure accurate linkage of their Aadhaar and bank account details to continue availing the scheme’s benefits seamlessly.
The program concluded with a seed distribution of maize, okra, bottle gourd, brinjal, cowpea seed etc. among the farmers.
