Over 2.29 crore farmers in Uttar Pradesh are set to receive financial aid exceeding ₹5,043 crore under the PM-KISAN scheme’s 20th installment, targeting those affected by crop losses due to recent natural calamities. The initiative, disbursed via DBT, aims to provide timely relief to farmers facing financial distress, ensuring support for agricultural recovery and stability across the state.
Uttar Pradesh Rolls Out Massive Relief for Farmers Affected by Crop Damage
In a significant move to support its agricultural community, the Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out a substantial financial aid package for farmers grappling with crop losses due to recent natural disasters. As part of the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, over 2.29 crore farmers in the state are set to receive more than ₹5,043 crore, directly transferred to their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. This initiative, announced on August 2, 2025, aims to provide immediate relief to farmers hit by unseasonal rains, floods, and other weather-related calamities that have devastated crops across the region.
The aid package comes in response to widespread crop damage reported in Uttar Pradesh, particularly due to unseasonal rainfall and flooding in late 2024 and early 2025. According to agricultural department surveys, crops such as paddy, sugarcane, and vegetables have been severely affected, with losses exceeding 33% in many areas. The state’s proactive approach builds on earlier efforts, such as the 2021 initiative under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, which compensated around 2 lakh farmers for similar losses caused by heavy rains and floods.
The PM-KISAN scheme, a central government program, provides eligible farmers with ₹6,000 annually in three installments. However, the latest disbursal in Uttar Pradesh is tailored to address the immediate financial strain caused by recent crop losses, ensuring farmers can recover and prepare for the next sowing season. The use of DBT ensures transparency and minimizes delays, allowing funds to reach farmers directly without intermediaries. This approach has been lauded for its efficiency, with officials emphasizing that the funds will help farmers cover input costs and stabilize their livelihoods.
In addition to the PM-KISAN disbursal, the Uttar Pradesh government is conducting rapid assessments through its Revenue and Agriculture departments to identify affected farmers and quantify losses. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to prioritize surveys and ensure that every eligible farmer receives compensation as per state guidelines. The government has also lowered the threshold for aid eligibility, allowing farmers with crop losses of 33% or more to qualify, a shift from the earlier 50% benchmark, aligning with national disaster relief norms.
Farmers in districts like Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, and Parbhani, which faced significant damage due to unseasonal rains in November 2024, have expressed relief at the announcement. For instance, crops spread over 60,000 hectares in Marathwada alone were reported damaged, with paddy and fruit plantations bearing the brunt. The state’s relief measures are expected to cover similar losses in Uttar Pradesh, where flooding and excessive moisture have rendered crops like paddy unsuitable for sale in many cases.
The initiative also draws parallels with other states’ efforts to support farmers. For example, Odisha recently announced ₹291.59 crore in aid for 6.66 lakh farmers affected by unseasonal rains in December 2024, while Gujarat rolled out a ₹1,419.62 crore package for farmers hit by heavy rains in August and September 2024. These measures highlight a growing recognition of the need for timely financial assistance to mitigate the impact of climate-driven agricultural losses.
However, challenges remain. Farmers’ unions have called for a more robust crop insurance system, arguing that current schemes often fail to cover smaller landholdings or provide timely payouts. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has also flagged the inefficiencies in existing crop insurance models, urging a revamp to better serve farmers hit by recurring natural calamities.
The Uttar Pradesh government’s latest aid package is a step toward addressing these concerns, but farmers are hopeful for long-term solutions, including climate-resilient crop varieties and improved irrigation infrastructure under schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. As the state continues to battle the impacts of unpredictable weather patterns, the timely disbursal of funds under PM-KISAN offers a lifeline to millions of farmers striving to sustain their livelihoods.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, government announcements, and posts on X. The information is sourced from credible outlets and official statements, but readers are advised to verify details with official government portals for the most accurate and updated information.