Pathankot, Aug 3 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 20th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) on Saturday, transferring about Rs 20,500 crore directly into bank accounts of 9.7 crore eligible farmers.

The financial assistance under the scheme has helped crores of farmers not just in meeting their agricultural needs but also in sailing through any crisis.

In Punjab's Pathankot, many farmers were elated on receiving the 20th instalment of PM-KISAN and their faces were lit with happiness as they shared the joy of receiving money directly into their accounts.

Many PM-KISAN beneficiaries said that the money received under the scheme was making them financially stronger and helping take their farming forward.

Many farmers from Kot Uparla village of Pathankot said that they got Rs 2,000 into their bank accounts and thanked the Modi government for the 'Samman Nidhi'.

Beneficiary Preeto Singh Battu said that the assistance given by the government is very beneficial for small farmers like him.

'With this money, the work of fertiliser and irrigation in the field will be completed on time,' he said.

Another beneficiary said, 'I have received Rs 2,000 in my account under the PM Kisan Yojana. This money helps in farming. Fertilisers and medicines can be given to the crops on time. We are thankful to the government for this.'

Another beneficiary, Premchand, said that the PM KISAN provides financial strength to farmers.

'We are able to provide fertilisers and water on time. Rs 2,000 has come to my account,' he said.

Notably, the PM-KISAN is a central sector scheme launched in February 2019 by the Prime Minister to supplement the financial needs of land-holding farmers. Under the scheme, a financial benefit of Rs 6,000/- per year is transferred in three equal instalments into the Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts of farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.

/IANS