More than 8.1 million farmers in Madhya Pradesh are set to receive financial assistance under the 23rd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the latest installment on June 20 from Tarakeswar in West Bengal's Hooghly district. Under the scheme, over ₹1,634 crore will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of 81.67 lakh farmers in Madhya Pradesh through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The installment comes ahead of the kharif sowing season and is expected to provide timely financial support to farmers preparing for cultivation activities. According to the Union Agriculture Ministry, more than ₹18,800 crore will be transferred to nearly 9 crore farmers across the country as part of the 23rd installment.

Addressing reporters in Bhopal, Chouhan said the PM-Kisan scheme has emerged as one of the country's largest farmer welfare initiatives. He noted that through 22 previous installments, nearly ₹4.28 lakh crore has already been transferred directly to farmers' accounts nationwide.

PM-Kisan Utsav Diwas

To mark the release of the new installment, the government will observe PM-Kisan Utsav Diwas across the country. Programmes will be organized at 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras, 113 ICAR institutions, agricultural universities, and administrative units from the state level down to gram panchayats.

Officials estimate that around 4 crore farmers will participate in these events and listen to the Prime Minister's address from different locations across the country.

Benefits Extended to West Bengal

Chouhan stated that farmers in West Bengal are now receiving wider coverage under the PM-Kisan scheme. According to the minister, around 44.42 lakh farmers in the state are expected to benefit from the initiative, providing financial assistance to small and marginal farming households.

The Union minister also spoke about ongoing discussions regarding procurement of pulses under the PM-AASHA scheme. While states such as Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat have already received approval for procurement of moong, urad, and lentils at Minimum Support Price (MSP), discussions with the Madhya Pradesh government are still underway. A decision is expected following a meeting scheduled on Friday.

Monsoon and El Niño Preparedness

Chouhan said the Centre is closely monitoring monsoon developments and the possible impact of El Niño conditions. Regular reviews are being conducted with various departments to ensure preparedness for any weather-related challenges that could affect agricultural production.

According to the minister, contingency plans are being prepared for 16 districts in Madhya Pradesh that may face weather-related risks. The strategy includes promoting low-water crops, alternative farming practices, and the distribution of improved seed varieties to minimize potential losses.

The government is also preparing measures to support farmers in case of prolonged dry spells or below-normal rainfall. Both central and state agencies are working on district-level plans to safeguard agricultural output during the kharif season.

In addition, the Centre has advised states to strengthen crop residue and stubble management measures ahead of the harvesting season. Officials believe proactive planning can help reduce environmental impacts while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

With the 23rd PM-Kisan installment set for release, farmers across Madhya Pradesh and the rest of the country are expected to receive crucial financial support at a key stage of the agricultural calendar, making it one of the most closely watched government updates in the farming sector this week.