Agriculture remains the backbone of India’s rural economy, supporting millions of small and marginal farmers. To strengthen farm households and ensure income stability, the Government of India launched the PM Kisan Yojana, officially known as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). This flagship income support scheme provides direct financial assistance to eligible farmers across the country.
Introduced under the leadership of Narendra Modi and administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the program ensures timely cash transfers directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Table of Contents
What Is PM Kisan Yojana?
PM Kisan Yojana is a central government income support scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to small and marginal landholding farmers. Under this initiative, eligible beneficiaries receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each.
The primary objective is to supplement farmers’ financial needs for agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and crop protection, while reducing dependence on informal credit sources.
Overview Table
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) |
| Launch Year | 2019 |
| Annual Benefit | ₹6,000 per eligible farmer |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Installments | Three per year |
| Implementing Authority | Central Government |
Core Objectives of PM Kisan Yojana
The scheme is built around several long-term agricultural goals:
- Provide assured minimum income support
- Reduce financial stress among small farmers
- Improve access to agricultural inputs
- Strengthen rural purchasing power
- Enhance financial inclusion through DBT
By transferring funds directly to bank accounts, the government ensures transparency, reduces leakages, and promotes digital financial infrastructure in rural India.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for PM Kisan benefits:
• Applicant must be an Indian citizen
• Must own cultivable agricultural land
• Land records must be updated in state databases
• Aadhaar linkage with bank account is mandatory
The scheme primarily targets small and marginal farmers. However, certain categories are excluded.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The following individuals are generally excluded:
• Institutional landholders
• Income tax payers
• Serving or retired government employees (with exceptions)
• Professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers with high taxable income
Verification is conducted through state governments and central databases to maintain accuracy.
Payment Structure Explained
Under PM Kisan:
• ₹2,000 is transferred every four months
• Payments are credited directly via DBT
• Beneficiaries receive SMS confirmation
Installments are commonly referred to by sequence numbers (e.g., 16th installment, 17th installment), generating high public interest during each release cycle.
Registration Process
Farmers can register through:
- Official PM-KISAN portal
- Common Service Centres (CSCs)
- State agriculture departments
Basic steps include:
• Aadhaar authentication
• Land record verification
• Bank account submission
• Mobile number registration
After approval, beneficiaries are added to the central database for periodic payments.
Required Documents
Applicants typically need:
• Aadhaar Card
• Land ownership documents
• Bank account details
• Mobile number
• Identity proof
Ensuring proper Aadhaar and bank linkage is critical for uninterrupted payments.
Role of Technology and DBT
PM Kisan is one of the largest DBT-based income transfer schemes globally. The integration of Aadhaar verification and digital banking ensures:
• Faster payments
• Reduced corruption
• Transparent beneficiary tracking
• Real-time fund transfers
This digital framework aligns with India’s broader financial inclusion initiatives such as Jan Dhan accounts and mobile banking expansion.
PM Kisan vs Other Agricultural Schemes
Unlike subsidy-based programs focused on specific inputs, PM Kisan provides flexible income support. Farmers can use the funds based on immediate needs, whether for seeds, labor wages, or household expenses.
This flexibility enhances the scheme’s practicality and acceptance across diverse farming communities.
FAQs
How much financial assistance is provided under PM Kisan?
Eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 annually in three installments.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for PM Kisan registration?
Yes, Aadhaar linkage is required for DBT payments.
Can tenant farmers apply?
Generally, only landholding farmers registered in official records are eligible.
Summary
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi remains one of India’s most significant farmer welfare initiatives. By combining direct income support with digital transparency, the scheme strengthens rural livelihoods while promoting financial inclusion.
As agricultural modernization continues and rural markets expand, PM Kisan Yojana stands as a cornerstone policy supporting sustainable growth, farmer security, and long-term economic resilience across India.
