Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras (PMKSK): PM inaugurated 600 PMKSK for farmers, Explained

On October 17, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 600 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras (PMKSK) under the ministry of chemicals and fertilizers. The Prime Minister also launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Urvarak Pariyojana-One Nation, One Fertilizer. Over 600 Pradhan Mantri Samridhi Kendra have been inaugurated by the PM.

The Prime Minister said that "These Kendras are not merely sales centers for fertilizers but a mechanism for establishing a deep bond with the farmers of the country." He added that the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Urvarak Pariyojana-One Nation One Fertilizer has also been launched. " It is a scheme to ensure affordable quality fertilizers of the Bharat brand to the farmers."

The Prime Minister stated that India is moving fast towards self-sufficiency in liquid nano urea production. " Nano Urea is a medium to produce more with less cost. A sack full of urea can now be replaced by a single bottle of nano urea. The transportation costs of urea will go down significantly"

He further stated that two new fertilizer's reforms have implemented. "Firstly, a campaign is being initiated to develop more than 3.25 lakh fertilizer shops across the country as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras. There will be centers where farmers can buy not only fertilizer's and needs but also implement soil testing and avail useful information about farming techniques. Secondly, with One Nation, One Fertilizers, the farmer is going to get rid of all kinds of confusion about the quality of the fertilizers and their availability. The urea sold in the country will be of the same name, same brand and same quality and this brand is Bharat."

On the occasion, Chemical and Fertilizer Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, appreciated the initiative and said that in the world, India has become the first country to start commercial production of Nano urea. " 600 kisan Samriddhi Kendras will strengthen farmers in many ways. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendra (PMKSK) will cater to the needs of the farmers in the country and provide Agri-inputs (fertilizers, seeds, and implements), including testing facilities for soil, seeds, and fertilizers. These kendras will also help create awareness among the farmers."

KISAN SAMRUDDHI KENDRA (PMKSK)

• Around 600 Prime Minister Samruddhi Kendras under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers will be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a phased manner, around 2.7 lakh retail shops will be converted to one-stop shops known as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendra (PMKSK).

The Pradhan Mantri Samruddhi Kendra will be working on:

• This initiative will cater to the needs of the farmers.
• Providing Agri-inputs to the farmers like fertilizers, seeds, and agricultural implements.
• Testing soil, fertilizers and seeds.
• Spreading awareness among farmers,
• Educating farmers regarding various government initiatives.

What is Bharat Urea Bags?

• The fertilizer companies will have to sell their products under the brand name of " Bharat", as the government of India makes it necessary under the aegis of One Nation One Fertilizer (ONOF).
• The aim is to standardize the brand of the fertilizers all over the country, irrespective of the company that manufactures them.
• The development of this single brand "Bharat" for all fertilizers will lessen the crisscross movement of fertilizers that leads to high freight subsidies.

Pradhan Mantri Sammridhi Kendras: Overview

Over 13,500 farmers all over the country and around 1500 agri-startups will come together, as well as more than 1 crore farmers from various institutions are expected to attend the event virtually. This event will also include people from the research department, policymakers, and other stakeholders. The Prime Minister also released the 12th instalment amount of Rs. 16,000 crores under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM KISAN) through Direct Benefit Transfer. Under this scheme, farmers and their families, who will be eligible, are provided benefits of Rs. 6000 per year in three equal instalments of Rs. 2000 each.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi further inaugurated the Agri Startup Conclave and Exhibition. Around 300 startups will participate in this and showcase their innovations related to Precision Farming, Post-Harvest and Value-added solutions, Allied Agriculture, Waste to Wealth, Mechanization for small farmers, Supply chain management and Agri-Logistics, among others. The platform will allow startups to interact with farmers, FPOS, Agri-experts, corporates, etc. During the event, the Prime Minister also launched the e-magazine on fertilizer that is 'Indian Edge'