New Delhi: In his first decision after being sworn in for a third term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi authorised the release of the 17th instalment of the PM Kisan Nidhi, distributing approximately Rs 20,000 crores to benefit 9.3 crore farmers.

Prime Minister Modi emphasised the government's commitment to farmer welfare, stating, "Ours is a government fully committed to Kisan Kalyan. It is therefore fitting that the first file signed on taking charge is related to farmer welfare. We want to keep working even more for the farmers and the agriculture sector in the times to come." /BI