Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 19th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme from Bhagalpur, Bihar, crediting Rs 220 billion directly into farmers' bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer. He highlighted that around 7.5 million farmer families in Bihar benefited, with Rs 16 billion transferred to them. Emphasising the four pillars of Viksit Bharat—poor, farmers, youth, and women—Modi reaffirmed his government's commitment to agricultural welfare. He outlined reforms, including the provision of modern seed varieties, affordable fertilisers, and irrigation support. He credited his government with reducing fertiliser costs, ensuring adequate supply, and reviving the Barauni fertiliser plant. Modi also highlighted the success of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, which has transferred Rs 3.7 trillion to farmers since its inception. He criticised previous governments for neglecting farmers and emphasised his administration's achievements, such as the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, which has disbursed Rs 1.75 trillion in insurance claims. The Prime Minister underscored initiatives in animal husbandry, including the creation of Lakhpati Didis and the expansion of dairy farming. He noted that India’s milk production has risen from 140 million tons to 240 million tons in the last decade. Bihar’s dairy industry, he said, now sees cooperative unions purchasing 3 million litres of milk daily, generating Rs 30 million annually for farmers. For the first time, fishermen have been issued Kisan Credit Cards, contributing to Bihar's rise as a top-five fish-producing state. Modi also stressed the importance of agricultural exports, announcing the formation of a Makhana Board to promote Bihar’s Makhana globally. He unveiled key infrastructure projects, including a new highway from Munger to Bhagalpur to Mirza Chauki, a four-lane road widening project, and a new rail bridge from Vikramshila to Kataria. He also announced the establishment of a National Institute of Food Technology and Entrepreneurship and three Centers of Excellence for agriculture in Bihar. Reaffirming his vision for Bihar’s development, Modi highlighted industrial and connectivity advancements, including coal supply approvals for a new power plant in Bhagalpur. He reiterated his commitment to modernising Bihar and ensuring farmers' prosperity, asserting that his government remains dedicated to their welfare. The event was attended by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Ministers, and other dignitaries. (PIB)