PM Modi releases ₹18,690 crore under PM-KISAN, launches projects worth ₹14,400 crore in Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday released more than ₹18,690 crore under the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, benefiting over 9.34 crore farmers across the country. He also launched development projects worth more than ₹14,400 crore in Banaskantha district of Gujarat during the first day of his two-day visit to the state.

Under the latest instalment, eligible farmers received ₹2,000 each directly into their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. With this disbursement, the cumulative amount transferred under PM-KISAN since its inception has crossed ₹4.65 lakh crore. More than ₹4.47 lakh crore had already been disbursed through the first 23 instalments.

Addressing a public gathering in Banaskantha, Modi highlighted the government's measures to shield farmers from rising input costs amid global uncertainties. "Over the past few years, fertilizer prices have surged significantly amid global uncertainties. However, our government, which is committed to the welfare of farmers, ensured that the burden of these price increases did not fall on them. The government has spent nearly Rs 16 lakh crore to absorb this burden," he said.

He further said, "Our government has fulfilled the promise of MSP. The government has also provided farmers with a strong safety net through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Over the past 10-12 years, farmers have received more than Rs 2 lakh crore in compensation under the crop insurance scheme."

Ahmedabad Metro extensions, eight-laning of highway to boost connectivity

Among the major infrastructure initiatives, Modi laid the foundation stone for Ahmedabad Metro Phase-2A (Airport Extension) and Phase-2B (GIFT City Extension). Phase-2A will cover more than 6 km and five stations, connecting Koteshwar Road to the airport, while Phase-2B will span over 3.3 km and include three stations between GIFT City and Shahpur.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for upgrading Ahmedabad-Mehsana Road (State Highway-41) from four to eight lanes at an estimated cost of around ₹2,600 crore. The project is expected to improve connectivity between Ahmedabad and North Gujarat.

₹325-crore cattle research centre to focus on indigenous breeds, IVF technology

A significant component of the development package is the Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre (BBBRC) at Bhildi in Banaskantha, which Modi dedicated to the nation. Built at an investment of around ₹325 crore and spread across 127 acres, the facility will focus on bovine breeding, genetic upgradation and advanced reproductive technologies, particularly for indigenous cattle breeds.

The centre aims to produce 25,000 high-quality embryos annually and will work on indigenous breeds such as Kankrej, Gir, Sahiwal and Tharparkar. It will also cover buffalo breeds including Mehsani, Banni, Jaffrabadi and Murrah, using IVF and embryo-transfer technologies to improve cattle genetics and milk productivity.

Ahead of the visit, Modi had highlighted the significance of the facility in a post on X, writing: "What does the next big leap in India's animal husbandry and dairy sector look like? To know that, come to Banaskantha, Gujarat!"

In the same post, he described the centre as an example of how "science and innovation are furthering the welfare of our farmers". He also underlined its potential benefits for farmers through improved milk productivity, better-quality breeds and higher incomes.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stones for two Bio-CNG plants of Banas Dairy at Tharad and Radhanpur. The plants will have cattle dung processing capacities of 75 metric tonnes and 100 metric tonnes per day, respectively, adding a waste-to-energy dimension to the dairy cooperative's operations.

521 agriculture infrastructure projects, two Bio-CNG plants part of development push

Modi also dedicated 521 projects developed under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), involving a combined project cost of around ₹4,950 crore. These include cold storage facilities, warehouses, silos, greenhouses and food-processing infrastructure.

He also marked the commencement of on-ground activities under 12 approved horticulture clusters covering approximately 1.46 lakh hectares. These clusters are expected to benefit more than 1.3 lakh farmers, with two clusters in North Gujarat focusing on potato cultivation.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the expanded potato processing plant at Sanadar and commissioned an Automated Storage and Retrieval System for ultra-high-temperature products at Palanpur, strengthening agricultural processing and storage infrastructure in the region.

Referring to the expansion of the potato processing facility, the Prime Minister added, "Furthermore, the capacity of the plant that processes potatoes into French fries has been increased. This will enable the procurement of a larger quantity of potatoes, offering a significant advantage to potato farmers."

In addition, the development package includes 4,030 new child-friendly Anganwadi centres and the inauguration of 361 completed centres in Gujarat. The initiative involves an investment of ₹800 crore and is expected to benefit more than four lakh people.

Modi also flagged off the Ahmedabad (Sabarmati)-Varanasi Express and the Mehsana-Becharaji-Sabarmati MEMU train services to strengthen regional rail connectivity.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister also spoke about India's growth trajectory and the importance of national unity amid global uncertainties. "In a world full of uncertainties, India's rapid growth brings new hope for the world. Looking at this, we must move forward on the path of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat'," he said.

Appealing to citizens, particularly the youth, to participate in the Run for Unity on October 31, Modi said, "Tomorrow, 31st October, the country celebrates National Unity Day; it is the day to give strength to this resolve. I appeal to people of the nation, especially the youth, to take part in the Run for Unity to be organised across the nation tomorrow."

He further said, "Ekta Parv will be celebrated at 5.30 pm in Ekta Nagar tomorrow. People from Kashmir to Kanniyakumari and Kutch to Kamakhya should pay their tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and repeat our resolve for Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat."

The Prime Minister's two-day Gujarat visit will continue on October 31, when he will participate in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at the Statue of Unity, commemorating the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.