Srinagar, June 20: Around 750 farmers from across Kashmir Valley participated in a live webcast of the Prime Minister’s PM-KISAN program at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Saturday, coinciding with the release of the 23rd installment under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.
During the national program held at Tarakeswar in West Bengal’s Hooghly district, the Hon’ble Prime Minister released ₹18,880 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), benefiting over 9.44 crore farmers across the country.
The webcast at SKUAST-K witnessed participation of 510 male and 240 female farmers from different districts of Kashmir. The event also highlighted key government schemes and interventions aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Elections, Shri Javid Ahmad Dar, attended the program as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, Shri Dar termed PM-KISAN a transformative initiative that has provided timely financial assistance to farmers across the country.
He also highlighted the growing participation of youth in agriculture and urged farmers to take maximum benefit from flagship programs such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) and the Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP).
Speaking on the occasion, SKUAST-K's Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai underscored the importance of farmer-centric schemes and emphasized the role of agricultural institutions in bridging scientific knowledge and field-level adoption. He reiterated the university’s commitment to supporting farmers through research, innovation, and extension services.
Earlier, Director Extension Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth welcomed the guests and participants and highlighted the Directorate’s efforts in connecting farmers with modern agricultural technologies and innovations.
Two publications were also released during the program—the UT-Level Action Plan for the National Campaign Khet Bachao Abhiyan and a compendium titled Farmers Scheme Guide.
Senior university officers, scientists, extension professionals, students, and progressive farmers were also present on the occasion.