New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday released eighth installment of financial benefit of more than 20 thousand crore to more than 9.5 crore beneficiary farmers across the country under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme via video conferencing. While extending benefits to the farmers, Prime Minister also interacted with beneficiaries. Union Agriculture Minister was also present on the occasion. Interacting with beneficiaries of PM-KISAN scheme via video conferencing, Prime Minister appreciated Arvind from Unnao in Uttar Pradesh for providing training to young farmers of his region on organic farming and new farming techniques. He lauded Patrick from Car Nicobar in Andaman and Nicobar Islands for doing large-scale organic farming. Modi praised the efforts taken by some farmers in educating other farmers for organic farming.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi said, for the first time, the farmers of West Bengal would be getting the benefit of this scheme. He lauded the efforts of the farmers who have made record produce in food grains and horticulture amidst the difficulties during this pandemic. Modi said the government is also setting new records in procurement at MSP every year. Paddy procurement at MSP had set new records and now wheat procurement at MSP is also setting new records. He added that so far this year, about 10 percent more wheat has been procured at MSP, compared to last year. So far, about Rs. 58,000 crores for wheat procurement has reached the farmers' account directly. Prime Minister remarked that the Government is constantly trying to provide new solutions and new options in farming. Promoting organic farming is also one of such effort. Organic farming delivers more profit and is now being practiced across the nation by young farmers. He said that now organic farming is being practised on both banks of Ganga and within a radius of about 5 kilometers, so that the Ganga remains clean. Prime Minister stressed that during this COVID-19 pandemic, Kisan Credit Card’s deadline has been extended and installments can now be renewed by 30 June. He said more than 2 crore Kisan Credit Cards have been issued in recent years. Prime Minister said that this once in a century pandemic is challenging the world, as it is an invisible enemy in front of us. He said the Government is fighting COVID-19 with all its might and ensuring that every government department is working day & night to ease the pain of the nation. Prime Minister remarked that Central Government and all the State Governments together, are making continuous efforts to enable more and more countrymen to get vaccinated at a rapid pace. He said so far, around 18 crore vaccine doses have been given across the country. Free vaccination is being done in government hospitals across the country. Prime Minister urged everyone to register for the vaccine when their turn comes and ensure covid appropriate behaviour at all times. He added that this vaccine is an important means of protection against corona and will reduce the risk of serious illness.