The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM‑KISAN) is one of India’s most widely‑beneficial welfare schemes aimed at providing direct income support to farmers. Launched by the Government of India in February 2019, the scheme ensures regular financial assistance to small and marginal farming families to help them meet agricultural and household expenses. It was announced in the Interim Union Budget 2019 and became effective from December 1, 2018.
PM‑KISAN plays a crucial role in reducing farmers’ dependency on informal credit and supporting investment in seeds, fertilisers, equipment, and other farming needs. Over the years, multiple instalments have been released, reaching crores of farmers across India.
Overview of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM‑KISAN) |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Implementing Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare |
| Target Beneficiaries | Landholding farmer families |
| Annual Benefit | ₹6,000 per year |
| Instalments | Three (₹2,000 each) |
| Mode of Payment | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
Why PM Kisan Yojana Exists
Agriculture is a primary source of livelihood for millions of households in India. Many farmers, especially small and marginal ones, face financial stress due to fluctuating crop prices, rising input costs, and seasonal uncertainties. PM Kisan was introduced to provide assured income support that helps farmers:
- Purchase agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilisers
- Invest in farm tools, equipment, and irrigation
- Cover personal and household expenses during lean or post‑harvest periods
- Reduce dependence on high‑interest informal loans
- Improve living standards and rural financial inclusion
The direct cash transfer into farmers’ bank accounts makes the support transparent and timely.
Eligibility Criteria
PM Kisan has fairly clear eligibility conditions, but there are also exclusion norms.
Core Eligibility
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must:
- Be an Indian citizen engaged in agriculture
- Own cultivable land registered in their name (small, marginal, or larger holdings are included under revised criteria)
- Have a linked Aadhaar number for e‑KYC verification
- Maintain an active bank account linked to Aadhaar for DBT payments
Earlier versions restricted benefits to farmers with land up to 2 hectares, but this limit was later abolished to include more beneficiaries, expanding coverage nationwide.
Exclusion Criteria
Certain individuals and families are not eligible for PM Kisan benefits:
- Institutional landholders
- Families with members holding constitutional posts (elected or appointed)
- Serving or retired government employees (Central/State/PSUs)
- Pensioners with monthly pension over ₹10,000
- Income tax payers
- Professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, and other professionals paying income tax
- Families owning high‑value assets beyond basic agricultural holdings
Financial Assistance and Instalments
Under PM‑KISAN, eligible farmer families receive ₹6,000 per year. This is paid in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each, released at regular intervals:
- First instalment: April 1 to July 31
- Second instalment: August 1 to November 30
- Third instalment: December 1 to March 31
The funds are transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into the farmer’s bank account, reducing intermediaries and ensuring transparency.
Components of the Scheme
PM Kisan might sound simple, but its design includes important mechanisms to ensure reach and inclusion:
- Direct Cash Transfer: Regular instalments without any deduction
- e‑KYC Requirement: Aadhaar‑based authentication to prevent duplication
- Online Portal: Farmers can check status, download payment receipts, and track applications at the official PM‑KISAN portal
- CSC Registration: Common Service Centres (CSCs) assist farmers in applying if they lack internet access
Application Process
Farmers can register for PM Kisan benefits in multiple ways:
- Online Application: Via the official PM‑KISAN portal
- e‑KYC Completion: Through the Kisan Corner on the portal using OTP verification
- CSC Centres: Farmers may visit their nearest Common Service Centre for assistance with registration and document upload
- State Nodal Officers: Some states designate nodal officers to help collect and verify applications
Important Steps
- Visit the PM‑KISAN portal
- Register with Aadhaar and mobile number
- Fill personal, landholding, and bank details
- Upload required documents such as land record, Aadhaar, bank passbook
- Submit and note the application reference number
Documents Required
Typical documents needed to apply include:
- Aadhaar Card
- Proof of land ownership (land record/right)
- Bank account passbook/canceled cheque with IFSC
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar for OTP
- Any other documents specified by local agriculture departments
Importance and Impact
PM Kisan has had a transformative effect on rural incomes and agricultural spending:
- Provides dependable income flow during critical agricultural seasons
- Helps farmers afford crop inputs and modern farming tools
- Encourages investment in soil health, irrigation, and new technologies
- Reduces rural debt burden and reliance on informal lenders
- Enhances financial inclusion through DBT systems
The scheme registered millions of farmer beneficiaries who have received multiple instalments over the years.
Challenges and Practical Considerations
Despite its wide reach, PM Kisan faces some operational challenges:
- Ensuring accurate land record verification in all states
- Preventing fraudulent claims and misinformation (government warns beneficiaries against fake messages)
- Ensuring farmers complete e‑KYC and update details to retain benefits
- Educating beneficiaries on digital tools to track disbursement and status
Overview Table of Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Benefit | ₹6,000 per eligible family |
| Frequency | Three instalments of ₹2,000 |
| Mode of Payment | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Eligible Beneficiaries | Landholding farmers with cultivable land |
| Exclusions | Government employees, high‑income taxpayers |
| Application Channels | Online portal, CSC centres, state nodal officers |
Conclusion
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is a landmark welfare initiative designed to ease the economic burden on farmers and strengthen agricultural livelihoods across India. By providing direct cash support to farming families, the scheme promotes rural prosperity and enables farmers to invest in productive inputs, improve crop yields, and build financial resilience.
Farmers should ensure they meet eligibility criteria, complete e‑KYC, and update necessary details to continue receiving benefits. Utilizing official channels and CSC support can make the application process easier and help maintain uninterrupted support under this essential scheme.
FAQs
- How much financial support is provided under PM Kisan Yojana?
Eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 per year in three instalments of ₹2,000 each. - Who is eligible for PM Kisan benefits?
Indian citizens owning cultivable land and engaged in farming activities can apply, excluding government employees and income tax payers. - How are PM Kisan instalments paid?
The instalments are transferred directly to the farmer’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer.
