As part of the government’s Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday  transferred about Rs 19,500 crore to more than 9.75 crore farmers. On this occasion, he also virtually interacted with the beneficiaries of the scheme. 

This was the 9th installment under scheme and so far, the Centre has transferred around Rs 1.57 lakh crore to farmer families. As part of the scheme, the Centre transfers Rs 6,000 directly to the farmers’ registered bank accounts. This amount is paid in three installments of Rs 2,000 each.

Also Read: What is the Electricity Amendment Bill 2021: Explained

PM Modi on Monday also said that the government will be investing over Rs 11,000 crore in the edible oil ecosystem with an aim to make India self-sufficient in cooking oils, including palm oil, as he stressed on reducing the dependence on imports.

He said though the country has become Aatamnirbhar in production of items such as rice, wheat and sugar, it was not enough as we are still dependent on huge imports of edible oils.

Saying this, he announced National Edible Oil Mission-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), stressing India must become self reliant in edible oil too.

Also Read: PM Modi to address UNSC today, Russian President Putin to attend

During the event, PM Modi said the government will ensure that farmers get all facilities, right from quality seeds to technology to promote farming to produce palm oil and other oil seeds.

India continues to be dependent on imports of edible oil to meet the domestic demand and of the total imports, palm oil constitutes about 55%. 

PM Modi said that India spent thousands of crores of rupees on edible oil imports and added that this money rather should go to farmers. He added that north-eastern states and Andaman and Nicobar Islands could be promoted for palm farming.

Talking about the role of farmer’s in India’s future, PM Modi said, “Where do we want to see India in the coming 25 years? When the country will complete 100 years of Independence what will the state of the country be? This will be decided by the farmers of this country.”

He added that farmers need to be given guidance on how to tackle new challenges.