‘PM-KISAN Utsav Diwas’ celebrated by ICAR-CIFRI & ICAR-CIFE: a milestone event for farmers’ welfare

Aug 2025 : In accordance with the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute in collaboration with ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Kolkata Centre, organised a significant outreach initiative on 02^nd. August, 2025 on the occasion of ‘PM-KISAN Utsav Diwas’. The programme was jointly coordinated by Dr. B. K. Das, Director of the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, and Dr. T. K. Ghoshal, Head, ICAR-CIFE, Kolkata Centre along with their team.

Mr. Rajiv Ranjan Singh, the Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India, graced the occasion, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare and economic empowerment of farmers and fishers throughout the country. A total of 81 fisher and fish farmers from South 24 Parganas district along with scientific and technical staff from ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore and ICAR-CIFE, Kolkata Centre attended the programme. They received SMS confirmations of their immediate instalment credits. More than 2 crore farmers were connected to the virtual event of PM Kisan via video conferencing through ICAR institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s (KVKs), Universities, PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendra’s and Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies.

At CIFE Kolkata, the programme was inaugurated through watering the holy plant by Honourable Minister Mr. Rajiv Ranjan. He interacted with the fishers and fish farmers and also highlighted the importance of fisheries for livelihood and employment generation in his address.

From 11.00 AM, Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India addressed the farming community of the country. During his address, the Prime Minister emphasised the government’s dedication in enhancing rural livelihoods, increasing agricultural incomes, and providing farmers with access to contemporary technology and institutional support. Honourable Prime Minister released the 20^th instalment of PM KISAN, amounting Rs. 20,500 crores, disbursed to over 9.7 crore beneficiary farmers. It has also been received by 44,78,526 beneficiary farmers in West Bengal.

The event also featured a live virtual interaction with Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, who immediately after the Prime Minister’s address, directly engaged with beneficiary farmers from various states. The Hon’ble Minister engaged in a conversation with farmers, addressed their enquiries, and encouraged them to adopt sustainable and integrated agricultural practices. Additionally, he mentioned to take the benefits of the KCC facility, PMMSY, and PM-KISAN programs.

Dr. B. K. Das, Director of ICAR – CIFRI had emphasised the importance of synergy between fisheries research, field-level outreach, and government support to ensure inclusive development in the inland and estuarine fishing sectors.

PM-KISAN program in Kolkata was a powerful illustration of the Government of India’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” and the critical role that scientific institutions play in promoting sustainable, inclusive and resilient agricultural and fisheries development.

The event stood as a strong reflection of the Government of India’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas”, showcasing the vital role of scientific institutions in driving sustainable and resilient development in agriculture and fisheries.

Team Maverick