Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch 1.25 lakh PM Kisan SevaKendras (Kisan SamriddhiKendras) today, according to Union Minister and BJP chief G Kishan Reddy. All 2.8 crore fertiliser retail shops in the country will be upgraded to PM Farmers Service Centres in a phased manner. In the first phase, 1.25 lakh retail shops, including 4,000 in Telangana, will be upgraded to PMKSS. Reddy has urged farmers to participate in the programme.
During the launch, the PM will also release the 14th tranche of PM Kisan Samman funds into the accounts of 8.5 crore farmers, including approximately 39 lakh in Telangana. The PM will announce activities on Thursday to increase the marketing network for farmers’ products by bringing the Farmer Producers’ Organisations (FPOs) under OPDC.
Under the concept of ‘One Country’, ‘One Fertilizer’, the supply of fertilizer under the Bharat brand name will be implemented starting tomorrow. The PMKSS centres will offer all necessary agricultural implements for sale, including drones for pesticide spraying at dealers at the district level.
These centres will also provide guidance to farmers on suitable crops to plant and educate them about which fertilizers to use. Starting tomorrow, seed testing and testing of water used for agriculture will also be implemented for the first time in the country. These centres will also run awareness programmes and coordinate with banks and farmers regarding crop insurance schemes.
Reddy added that a ‘Kisan Ki Baat’ farmers’ group meeting will be initiated starting tomorrow to address farmers’ problems. It will take place on the second Sunday of every month. Additionally, the centres will create a WhatsApp group with farmers under the Kisan Seva Kendra and send regular weather, agricultural, and market updates. The staff working in PMSKs will receive training from the Department of Fertilizers.
Reddy highlighted that fertilizer prices have increased worldwide, but the Centre has been providing fertilizers to farmers without increasing prices for several years. The PM will also launch Nano Urea. In the last nine years, the Centre has been supporting farmers by increasing the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Since the BJP government came to power in 2014, farmer welfare programs have increased. Reddy stated, “Fertilizers, seeds, agri implements, Kisan Samman Yojana are being implemented at low prices.” The government’s one-stop initiative to meet all necessary needs of farmers is a revolutionary change. Quality seeds and fertilizers are available to farmers at specified prices, and there will be facilities for soil and seed testing. The PMSKs will also create awareness about Central and State schemes related to farmers.
The program to upgrade 2.80 crore retail shops as PMKSK is ongoing. Reddy mentioned how the problem of the black market for urea disappeared after Modi became PM with the supply of neem-coated urea. Soil quality has improved, and neem-coated urea will be available starting tomorrow.
In the future, the Centre will continue working with dedication for the welfare of farmers.
Regarding the Congress and BRS initiating a motion of no-confidence in the Lok Sabha, Reddy commented that the Congress, BRS, and MIM are essentially the same and have worked together in the past. These parties have directly and indirectly ruled Telangana. Reddy affirmed that their fight against these parties will continue.
