PM KISAN Utsav Diwas and Khet Bachao Abhiyan Organized at ICAR-CIFRI to Strengthen Farmer-Centric Development

Barrackpore, June, 2026, : ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, organized the PM KISAN Utsav Diwas in conjunction with the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, featuring the live telecast of the release of the 23rd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from farmers, fishers, stakeholders, and public representatives. The programme highlighted the Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods, enhancing farmers’ income, promoting sustainable agricultural and fisheries development, and fostering inclusive growth through farmer-centric initiatives and institutional support.

The event was graced by Hon’ble Shri Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, who interacted with farmers and highlighted the transformative role of science-led agriculture, sustainable fisheries, and technology-driven rural development.

Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Minister stated that PM-KISAN stands as a landmark initiative in farmer welfare, providing direct financial support to over 9.44 crore farmers and thereby strengthening rural economies, promoting financial inclusion, and contributing to national growth. He encouraged farmers to maintain close linkages with ICAR institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and extension agencies to benefit from the latest technological advancements and scientific advisories. He further emphasized the adoption of climate-resilient technologies, efficient water-use practices, integrated farming systems, and scientific livestock and fisheries management for ensuring long-term productivity and sustainability.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, underscored the transformative role of flagship initiatives such as PM-KISAN, PMMSY, PMFBY, RWBCIS, the Digital Agriculture Mission (AgriStack), the National Mission on Natural Farming, and PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana in West Bengal. He highlighted how these programmes are strengthening income security, promoting sustainable agriculture and fisheries, enhancing access to credit, insurance, and digital services, and building resilient rural livelihoods. He emphasized that these initiatives are driving inclusive and resilient growth in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, thereby contributing significantly to the realization of the vision of a prosperous, self-reliant, and developed India under Viksit Bharat @2047.

Prior to the live telecast, ICAR-CIFRI organized an awareness programme under the nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan (Save the Farm Campaign)” with the theme “Healthy Soil, Healthy Crops, Prosperous Farmers.” Farmers were sensitized on the importance of soil health, balanced and judicious use of fertilizers, soil test-based nutrient management, and the adoption of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and natural farming practices. Experts highlighted the need to reduce excessive dependence on DAP and urea, promote alternative nutrient sources, and conserve soil fertility for sustainable agricultural production. The programme also emphasized the role of organic and natural farming techniques such as Jeevamrit, Ghan Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, mulching, and Neemastra in improving soil health, reducing cultivation costs, and enhancing long-term farm productivity. Farmers actively participated in the interaction and appreciated the Government’s efforts to promote sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture through the month-long campaign being implemented across the country.

The programme witnessed the participation of 286 farmers, fishers, and other stakeholders from Naihati, Basudevpur, Beraberia, Amdanga of North 24 Parganas, W.B. and Begusarai, Bihar reflecting strong grassroots engagement with farmer-centric development initiatives. Participants watched the live telecast of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s address and expressed appreciation for the Government’s sustained efforts to empower farming communities through welfare schemes, scientific interventions, and institutional support.

The event concluded on a highly positive note, reinforcing awareness about PM-KISAN and strengthening the interface between policymakers, scientific institutions, and farming communities. The successful organization of the programme reaffirmed ICAR-CIFRI’s commitment to bridging research and innovation with field-level impact, while advancing the vision of a resilient, prosperous, and self-reliant agricultural sector.