The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN) is a government initiative to provide financial assistance to farmers across India. Launched on December 1, 2018, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this scheme aims to ensure the welfare and economic support of small and marginal farmers. The primary objective is to provide income support to farmers and enable them to meet their agricultural needs and daily expenses without falling into debt traps.
In this blog, we will explore the objectives, features, eligibility criteria, benefits, and the impact of the PM Kisan Yojana, which has become a cornerstone of India’s agricultural reforms.
What is PM Kisan Yojana?
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a central government scheme launched to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers across India. The term “Samman Nidhi” translates to “respectable fund”, symbolizing the government’s recognition of farmers’ contribution to the nation.
Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 every year in three equal installments of ₹2,000. This amount is directly transferred to their bank accounts, helping them manage agricultural expenses and daily needs. Launched on December 1, 2018, PM-KISAN plays a major role in strengthening India’s agricultural foundation.
Launch Date: December 1, 2018
Launched By: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Managed By: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Objective: To provide ₹6,000 per year to small and marginal farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Objectives of PM Kisan Yojana
The PM Kisan Yojana was introduced with multiple goals. Firstly, it aims to provide income support to small and marginal farmers, enabling them to meet agricultural expenses like purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and other essentials. Secondly, it seeks to reduce the debt burden on farmers by minimizing their reliance on high-interest informal loans. Thirdly, the scheme is intended to boost agricultural productivity by allowing farmers to invest in better tools, techniques, and inputs. Lastly, it helps improve the standard of living for farmers by offering them consistent financial support
Key Features of PM Kisan Yojana
One of the key highlights of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is the annual financial support of ₹6,000, distributed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each. The amount is directly credited to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
The scheme targets small and marginal farmers with cultivable land, including SC, ST, and OBC communities. Notably, there are no intermediaries involved, which helps eliminate corruption and ensures that the benefits reach the rightful recipients. The registration process is simple and can be completed online or through Common Service Centers (CSCs). Moreover, the scheme is uniformly implemented across all Indian states and union territories.
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Eligibility Criteria for PM Kisan Yojana
To avail of the benefits under PM-KISAN, farmers must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Land Ownership:
The farmer must be the owner of cultivable land in India. Only those owning agricultural land are eligible for this scheme.
Small and Marginal Farmers:
The scheme specifically targets small and marginal farmers. A small farmer is one who owns up to 2 hectares of land, while a marginal farmer owns up to 1 hectare.
Age Criteria:
Farmers above 18 years of age are eligible to apply for the scheme.
Excluded Categories:
The scheme does not cover institutional landholders, former and present MPs, MLAs, Ministers, and senior government officials. Farmers who belong to these categories are excluded from the benefit.
to get detail information on pm kisan yojana website
Benefits of PM Kisan Yojana
The primary benefit of PM-KISAN is the annual financial support of ₹6,000, which helps farmers manage both agricultural and household expenses. It promotes higher agricultural income and allows investment in advanced equipment and technology. By directly crediting the money into farmers’ accounts, the scheme ensures transparency and reduces dependency on middlemen.
The funds also help reduce loan dependency, especially on informal lenders charging high interest. For small and marginal farmers, this financial backing is crucial for maintaining a stable income. Additionally, the scheme contributes to boosting the rural economy by enhancing local spending and improving livelihoods.
Implementation Process of PM Kisan Yojana
Registration:
Farmers can register for the PM-KISAN scheme through the official website or Common Service Centers (CSCs). The registration process involves submitting details about the farmer’s land, Aadhaar number, and bank account information.
Verification:
After the registration, the details are verified by local authorities to confirm the eligibility of farmers. This ensures that only deserving farmers are included in the scheme.
Transfer of Funds:
Once the verification process is complete, the funds are directly credited to the registered bank accounts of the beneficiaries in three installments per year.
Monitoring and Feedback:
The implementation of PM-KISAN is closely monitored by the Ministry of Agriculture, and feedback is collected from farmers to ensure the scheme’s effectiveness. Any issues or grievances are addressed promptly.
Impact of PM Kisan Yojana
Since its inception, PM-KISAN has significantly improved the financial stability of small and marginal farmers. It has reduced their dependence on high-interest loans and encouraged the adoption of better farming practices. As a result, agricultural productivity has improved in many regions. The scheme has also contributed to poverty reduction in rural areas and increased consumer spending in local markets, further stimulating rural economies.
Challenges of PM Kisan Yojana
Despite its success, the scheme faces several challenges. Some farmers encounter issues during registration due to errors in Aadhaar linking or incorrect bank or land details. A section of farmers, especially those unaware of the scheme or with complex land ownership records, remain excluded. Limited access to technology and internet services in rural areas also creates barriers to registration and scheme access. Moreover, there have been occasional delays in the release of payments, affecting the timely delivery of funds.
The PM Kisan Yojana has proven to be a revolutionary initiative aimed at improving the livelihoods of India’s small and marginal farmers. By providing direct financial assistance, the scheme empowers farmers with the necessary funds to sustain and enhance their agricultural activities. However, the government must address some of the challenges in registration and payment systems to ensure that the benefits reach every eligible farmer, contributing to the overall growth of India’s agricultural sector.
With its continued success, PM Kisan can pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for Indian farmers, ultimately leading to the economic empowerment of rural India.
FAQs about PM Kisan Yojana
- Q: What is PM Kisan Yojana?
A: It is a government scheme that provides financial assistance of ₹6,000 annually to small and marginal farmers to support their agricultural needs. - Q: How much financial assistance do farmers receive under PM Kisan?
A: Farmers receive ₹6,000 per year, paid in three equal installments of ₹2,000. - Q: Who is eligible for the PM Kisan Yojana?
A: Farmers who own cultivable land and meet the criteria for small or marginal farmers are eligible. Institutional landholders and senior government officials are excluded. - Q: How can farmers register for the scheme?
A: Registration can be done online via the official PM Kisan website or at Common Service Centers (CSCs). - Q: How is the financial assistance transferred to farmers?
A: The funds are directly transferred to the farmers’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
