Srinagar, Feb 25: To commemorate the sixth anniversary of the PM-KISAN SAMMAN NIDHI Yojana, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Srinagar, under SKUAST-K, organised a mega one-day awareness-cum-workshop at the Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-K Shalimar.
The event was held to celebrate the release of the 19th instalment of PM-KISAN by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, benefiting millions of farmers across the country. The workshop was conducted in two sessions (forenoon and afternoon), with the opening session chaired by Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, the newly appointed Director of Extension, SKUAST-K, as the Chief Guest.
The event was attended by national and state award-winning farm leaders, including Irshad Ahmed Dar, Peerzada Suhail, Muhammad Maqbool, and Muhammad Afzal Bhat, alongside KVK scientists and officials from allied agricultural sectors such as Horticulture, Fisheries, Sheep Husbandry, and AMO (JKHP&M). Over 200 small and marginal farmers from Srinagar district participated in the awareness programme. Prof. Kanth highlighted the significance of PM-KISAN in enhancing farmers’ economic stability, stating that Rs 6,000 is disbursed annually in three equal instalments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Prof. Shamim Simnani, Head of KVK Srinagar, congratulated Prof. Kanth on her new role and emphasised SKUAST-K’s commitment to technological advancements in farming to increase productivity and reduce input costs. Dr. Simnani sensitised farmers on the scheme’s objectives and evolution since its launch on 24 February 2019, including the introduction of the PM-KISAN mobile app in 2020 for seamless digital transactions. A live webcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from Bhagalpur, Bihar, announcing the 19th instalment of PM-KISAN, was conducted jointly with the state-level event at Shalimar Convention Centre, SKUAST-K. The state-level event was chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmed Dar, and Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-K Prof. Nazir A. Ganai, with the presence of MLAs Salman Sagar (Hazratbal) and Tanvir Sadiq (Zadibal), alongside farmers, entrepreneurs, and self-help groups (SHGs). The workshop successfully sensitised farmers on the benefits of PM-KISAN, while also reinforcing SKUAST-K’s role in empowering the agricultural community through modern technological interventions, market linkages, and improved supply chains.
