KARGIL: More than 12,000 farmers in Kargil district are set to receive financial assistance under the 23rd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, with over Rs 2.42 crore being credited directly into beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The announcement was made during a mega district-level PM-KISAN programme organised at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kargil, in collaboration with the Agriculture Department. Farmers from different parts of the district attended the event and watched the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address during the nationwide release of PM-KISAN benefits.
Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Advocate Riyaz Ahmad Khan, who attended the programme as Chief Guest, said the successful coverage of more than 12,000 farmer families in a geographically challenging district reflects sustained efforts to ensure that welfare schemes reach eligible beneficiaries. He described PM-KISAN as an example of doorstep delivery of government services to rural communities.
According to official data, Kargil had a target of 13,043 beneficiaries under the scheme. The Agriculture Department registered 14,118 farmers, all of whom were accepted on the PM-KISAN portal. Since the launch of the scheme, 22 installments have been disbursed, with nearly Rs 49 crore released to beneficiaries across the district.
The programme also featured an awareness campaign on PM-KISAN and the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, focusing on soil health management, crop protection and measures to improve agricultural productivity.
A major highlight of the event was the first Mushroom Field Day organised in Kargil. Ten mushroom entrepreneurs supported under a NABARD-sponsored project displayed fresh mushrooms and value-added products, including dried mushrooms and mushroom powder, showcasing the potential of mushroom cultivation as a supplementary source of income for farmers and rural youth.
Responding to demands raised by Self-Help Groups and mushroom growers, Advocate Riyaz Ahmad Khan assured that the proposal for establishing a dedicated marketing outlet at Baroo would be taken up with the concerned authorities to facilitate the sale of locally produced value-added products.
Bio-pesticides were also distributed among Self-Help Groups from Tingdo, Shargole and Haldok villages to encourage sustainable and environmentally responsible farming practices. The programme concluded with an interaction between farmers, scientists and officials on agricultural development and entrepreneurship opportunities in the district.
