PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana: A Lifeline for Indian Farmers
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is one of the most ambitious and impactful schemes launched by the Government of India to support farmers' income. Introduced in December 2018, this centrally sponsored scheme offers direct income support to small and marginal farmers across the country. Over the years, it has played a vital role in reducing financial stress and empowering rural agricultural households.
Objective of PM-KISAN
The core aim of PM-KISAN is to provide assured income support to the farmers, particularly small and marginal landholders. The idea is to help them cover basic agricultural needs, buy inputs like seeds and fertilizers, and take care of household requirements without falling into debt.
This scheme addresses a long-standing concern—unstable agricultural income—caused by uncertain rainfall, crop failures, rising costs, and market fluctuations.
Key Benefits of the Scheme
Under PM-KISAN, the government provides eligible farmers with:
- ₹6,000 per year, in three equal installments of ₹2,000
- The amount is directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- It’s tax-free, and there is no middleman
These transfers help farmers plan their seasonal activities and meet immediate financial needs.
Eligibility Criteria
Initially, the scheme was targeted at small and marginal farmers owning up to 2 hectares of land. But from June 2019, the scheme was extended to all farmer families, regardless of landholding size, with a few exceptions.
Who is Eligible:
- All landholding farmer families in India
- Must have valid land records
- Should have an active bank account and Aadhaar card
Who is Not Eligible:
- Institutional landholders
- Farmer families where a member:
- Is a government employee
- Is an income taxpayer
- Holds a constitutional post
- Is a professional (doctor, engineer, lawyer, etc.)
- Is a pensioner (₹10,000/month or more)
How to Apply
Farmers can apply for PM-KISAN in multiple ways:
- Online through the PM-KISAN Portal:
- Visit: https://pmkisan.gov.in
- Click on “New Farmer Registration”
- Enter Aadhaar number, bank details, and land information
- Through Common Service Centres (CSC)
- Offline through local revenue officers or agriculture departments
After verification of land records and other documents, the beneficiary is added to the list.
Installment Timeline
Each financial year includes three installments:
- April – July
- August – November
- December – March
Once a farmer is enrolled and verified, they start receiving installments according to the next payment cycle.
Impact of PM-KISAN
Since its launch, PM-KISAN has benefited over 11 crore farmers. Over ₹3 lakh crore has been disbursed (as of 2025), making it one of the largest cash transfer schemes in the world.
Key positive outcomes:
- Boosts liquidity in rural areas
- Helps in timely purchase of seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs
- Reduces reliance on informal credit or moneylenders
- Improves farmer morale and dignity
According to many reports, small farmers use the funds for not just farming, but also education, health, and household needs.
Checking PM-KISAN Status
Farmers can check their status and installment history online:
- Visit pmkisan.gov.in
- Click on “Beneficiary Status”
- Enter Aadhaar number or mobile number to track payments
You can also download the PM-KISAN mobile app for quick access.
Challenges & Criticism
Despite its success, the scheme has faced some hurdles:
- Exclusion errors: Some genuine farmers are left out due to land record issues
- Inclusion errors: A few ineligible people received funds in the early stages
- Aadhaar linking issues: Delayed payments due to verification problems
To address this, the government is actively working on e-KYC, land record digitization, and stronger state-level coordination.
Recent Updates
- e-KYC is now mandatory for all beneficiaries
- Aadhaar seeding with bank accounts is required to avoid payment delays
- A Helpline (155261 / 1800-115-526) is available for support
Conclusion
The PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi Yojana is more than just a financial support scheme—it’s a step towards inclusive agricultural growth and farmer empowerment. With timely payments and wide coverage, it ensures that the backbone of India’s economy—its farmers—gets the dignity and support they deserve.
As India continues to modernize agriculture, schemes like PM-KISAN are crucial to building a stronger, more secure rural economy.
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