Agartala, June 20: More than 2.16 lakh farmers across Tripura received financial assistance amounting to Rs 43.32 crore on Saturday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 23rd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.

The latest installment was transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts as the Prime Minister released the nationwide fund transfer programme from West Bengal. Across the country, over 9.44 crore farmers received a total of Rs 18,880 crore under scheme.

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, accompanied by Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath and MLA Meena Rani Sarkar, virtually participated in the programme from the State Agriculture Research Station at A.D. Nagar in Agartala.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha said the state government remains committed to improving the economic condition of farmers and enhancing their income through a range of welfare and agricultural development initiatives. 

He noted that the progress of villages and the overall development of the state are closely linked to the prosperity of the farming community.

The Chief Minister said PM-KISAN was introduced to provide direct financial support to cultivators and reduce their dependence on loans for agricultural activities. 

He added that since 2018, both the Central and State governments have been implementing multiple programmes aimed at strengthening the rural economy and improving farmers' livelihoods.

Highlighting the impact of various agricultural interventions, Dr. Saha stated that more than Rs 529 crore has been transferred to farmers through paddy procurement operations in the state. 

He said schemes such as PM-KISAN, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Krishi Vikas Yojana have contributed significantly to increased agricultural production and higher farm incomes.

According to the Chief Minister, the government has also prioritized improving soil health and farm mechanisation. More than 2.53 lakh Soil Health Cards have been distributed among farmers, while agricultural machinery worth Rs 233.63 crore has been provided with government subsidy support.

Officials noted that the reach of PM-KISAN in Tripura has expanded considerably over the years. During the 2018-19 financial year, around 1.51 lakh farmers in the state had received benefits amounting to Rs 30.37 crore under the scheme.

The programme was attended by representatives of local self-government institutions, including members of the West Tripura Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti, along with senior officials of the Agriculture Department.