Modi releases PM-Kisan instalment for 9.44 crore farmers, launches world's largest crop insurance scheme in Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday released the 23rd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), transferring Rs 18,880 crore to more than 9.44 crore farmers across the country, while launching the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in West Bengal and unveiling a raft of development projects in the state.

Modi was in Hooghly district to participate in the 'Paschimbanga Divas' or West Bengal Day celebrations at Tarakeswar, where he joined a public event attended by Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, ministers, MLAs, government officials and members of the public.

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The prime minister launched, dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone of projects spanning railways, agriculture, rural development, fisheries and animal husbandry.

Addressing the gathering, Modi said, "Today, the inauguration and foundation stone laying of development projects worth hundreds of crores of rupees has taken place here."

He added, "These projects related to rail, road, agriculture, and fisheries will give a new momentum to Bengal's development."

The prime minister further said, "These projects will strengthen the rural economy here."

As part of the agriculture push, Modi launched the PMFBY in West Bengal, extending the benefits of what the Centre describes as the world's largest crop insurance scheme to farmers in the state. According to the government, the initiative aims to provide insurance coverage to nearly 50 lakh farmers across about 14 lakh hectares of agricultural land in West Bengal during 2026-27, protecting crops with an estimated insured value of around Rs 28,140 crore and supporting farmers through premium subsidies.

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He also launched key agriculture initiatives, including the Agri Stack, the National Mission on Natural Farming and the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana.

In the infrastructure sector, Modi dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stones for railway projects worth around Rs 590 crore. These included the dedication of the Sankrail-Santragachi Link Line Project in Howrah district, the foundation stone for a new 300-bed divisional railway hospital at Howrah and a road overbridge between Haur and Radhamohanpur in Purba Medinipur district.

The prime minister also inaugurated 49 road infrastructure projects developed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III), covering more than 315 km across various districts of West Bengal.

The projects are aimed at boosting regional connectivity, strengthening rural infrastructure and providing fresh impetus to agricultural and economic activities in the state.