KKN Gurugram Desk | Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large gathering in Bhagalpur, where he released the 19th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Under this initiative, ₹22,000 crore was transferred directly to the bank accounts of 9.8 crore farmers across the country. Additionally, the PM inaugurated a Center of Excellence in Motihari and a milk processing plant in Barauni. During his speech, he praised Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, referring to him as the “beloved leader of Bihar”.

Key Announcements:

• ₹22,000 crore disbursed to 9.8 crore farmers under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.
• Motihari’s Center of Excellence inaugurated for advanced agricultural training.
• Barauni’s new milk processing plant launched to boost dairy production.
• CM Nitish Kumar praised for his contribution to Bihar’s development.

PM Modi’s Bhagalpur Event: A Boost for Farmers

The event took place at Bhagalpur Airport Ground, with thousands of farmers and leaders from across India in attendance. PM Modi transferred the funds with a single click, ensuring that each farmer received ₹2,000 directly into their bank accounts. Bihar alone saw ₹1,600 crore deposited into 75 lakh farmers’ accounts under this scheme.

During the event, the Prime Minister emphasized that his government is committed to the welfare of farmers. He highlighted that the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana has already benefited crores of farmers across India since its launch.

Inauguration of Major Development Projects

Apart from the financial assistance to farmers, PM Modi also inaugurated two significant projects:

1. Motihari Center of Excellence: This modern agricultural training institute will help farmers adopt advanced farming techniques to increase productivity.
2. Barauni Milk Processing Plant: The new dairy unit is expected to significantly boost milk production and create employment opportunities for local farmers.

These initiatives are aligned with the government’s vision to double farmers’ income and strengthen India’s dairy and agricultural sectors.

Nitish Kumar Called “Beloved CM” Amid Applause

PM Modi’s public praise for CM Nitish Kumar caught everyone’s attention. He referred to him as “Bihar’s beloved leader dedicated to its progress.” The statement was met with loud applause from the audience and political leaders present, including Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Lalan Singh, Giriraj Singh, Chirag Paswan, and Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha.

NDA Government’s Commitment to Farmers

PM Modi highlighted that his government has been working relentlessly for the welfare of farmers over the last decade. He outlined several key measures taken to improve agricultural productivity and income:

• Distribution of high-yield seeds to enhance crop production.
• Affordable and accessible fertilizers, ensuring no black marketing.
• Subsidized urea, preventing price hikes for farmers.
• PM Fasal Bima Yojana, compensating farmers for crop losses due to natural disasters.
• Expansion of irrigation facilities to prevent water scarcity in agriculture.

PM Modi emphasized that under the NDA government, farmers no longer face issues like fertilizer shortages or lack of irrigation facilities. He criticized previous governments for their neglect of agricultural issues, stating that they failed to provide basic support to farmers.

Boost to Dairy and Fisheries Sector

The milk processing plant in Barauni is expected to benefit over 3 lakh dairy farmers in the region. PM Modi acknowledged the role of cooperative milk federations, stating that they collect over 30 lakh liters of milk daily, benefiting thousands of farmers.

Additionally, he announced that fishermen will now receive financial support through the Kisan Credit Card scheme. This move aims to increase fish production and improve the income of Bihar’s fishing communities.

Bihar’s Agricultural and Industrial Growth

PM Modi also touched upon Bihar’s emerging role in agriculture and food processing:

• Makhana (Fox Nut) Board: The government is launching a special board for Makhana farmers to promote processing, marketing, and export of this superfood.
• Food Processing Hub: Bihar will soon have a National Institute of Food Technology to support agro-based industries.
• Centers of Excellence: Three agricultural research centers will be set up in Bhagalpur, Munger, and Buxar to assist mango, tomato, onion, and potato farmers.

Infrastructure Development in Bihar

PM Modi highlighted massive infrastructure investments to improve Bihar’s connectivity:

• Four-lane Ganga Bridge: Under construction with ₹1,100 crore investment.
• Western Kosi Canal Project: Expected to irrigate 50,000 hectares in Mithilanchal.
• New highways and expressways to boost regional trade and transport.
• Rail network expansion, including new rail lines and bridges across the state.

Bihar’s Role in India’s Economic Growth

PM Modi reaffirmed his vision of developed India with Bihar playing a key role. He stated that Bihar was once a center of global knowledge and economic power, referencing its historical institutions like Vikramshila and Nalanda. The government is now reviving these legacies by establishing a new Vikramshila Central University.

He also criticized opposition parties, stating that corrupt regimes have held Bihar back. However, with the NDA’s development-focused governance, Bihar is poised to become a leading state in infrastructure, industry, and agriculture.