Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN) is a flagship Central Sector Scheme. This scheme was launched by the Government of India to provide financial assistance to landholding farmer families across the country.
What is the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana?
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme aims to support farmers in meeting agricultural input costs and household expenses by offering direct income support of ₹6,000 per year. The amount is distributed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each directly into the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Initially announced in the 2019 Interim Union Budget, the scheme has become one of the most significant income support programs for small and marginal farmers in India.
When was PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana Launched?
The PM-KISAN scheme was officially launched on 24th February 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. The program built upon the success of similar state-level initiatives like Telangana’s Rythu Bandhu Scheme, aiming to cover all small and marginal farmers in India.
Although the scheme was initially proposed to benefit 12 crore farmers, it has now been extended to include all 25 crore landholding farmer families across the country.
What are the Objectives of PM-KISAN?
The PM-KISAN scheme was launched with multiple objectives aimed at uplifting the socio-economic condition of farmers:
- Financial Support to Farmers: Provide direct income support of ₹6,000 per year to eligible small and marginal farmer families.
- Agricultural Inputs Assistance: Help farmers purchase essential inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and farming equipment.
- Boost Rural Economy: Encourage rural spending and consumption, which positively impacts local markets.
- Promote Crop Productivity: By reducing financial stress, farmers can invest in better farming practices, improving crop health and yields.
- Support Government Initiatives: Aligns with the government’s broader goal of doubling farmers’ income and enhancing rural livelihoods.
Who is Eligible for PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana?
Eligibility for the PM-KISAN scheme is based on landholding criteria. The scheme targets small and marginal farmer families, defined as a family consisting of a husband, wife, and minor children, who own cultivable land.
Eligibility Criteria Include:
- Must be a landholding farmer with cultivable land in their name.
- Farmers must be Indian citizens.
- Aadhaar registration is required for identification and DBT transfer.
Who is Excluded from PM-KISAN?
Certain categories of farmers and families are not eligible for the scheme:
- Institutional Landholders: Land owned by institutions is excluded.
- High-Ranking Officials: Current and former holders of constitutional posts, ministers, MPs, MLAs, Mayors, and District Panchayat Chairpersons.
- Government Employees: All serving or retired employees of Central/State government ministries, departments, offices, and public sector enterprises (except Multi-Tasking Staff/Class IV/Group D).
- High Pensioners: Retired individuals drawing a monthly pension of ₹10,000 or more (excluding MTS/Class IV/Group D).
- Income Tax Payers: Those who paid income tax in the last assessment year.
- Professionals: Doctors, engineers, lawyers, chartered accountants, and architects practicing their professions.
Get ready to crack government job exams with leading educators
How Much Financial Assistance is Provided Under PM-KISAN?
The PM-KISAN scheme provides ₹6,000 annually to each eligible farmer family, distributed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each. These installments are usually released every four months to ensure timely support for agricultural and household expenses.
The scheme is fully funded by the Government of India, with a budget allocation of approximately ₹75,000 crore annually.
How is PM-KISAN Implemented?
The implementation of the PM-KISAN scheme involves multiple stakeholders:
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) acts as the primary implementing agency.
- State Governments & Union Territories: Responsible for identifying eligible beneficiaries and verifying documents.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): All payments are transferred directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries to ensure transparency and reduce delays.
- Aadhaar Linkage: Aadhaar authentication is mandatory for the transfer of funds. Farmers without Aadhaar can register at nearby Common Service Centers (CSC).
- Kisan Credit Card Linkage: PM-KISAN is linked to the KCC scheme, allowing farmers to access formal credit more efficiently.
The digital implementation through a centralized platform ensures timely disbursement, real-time monitoring, and minimal leakages.
How Can Farmers Check Their PM-KISAN Payment Status?
Farmers can easily check their PM-KISAN payment status online:
- Visit the official PM-KISAN website: pmkisan.gov.in
- Click on ‘Know Your Status’.
- Enter Aadhaar number, bank account number, or mobile number.
- Submit the details and view the installment status, payment history, and application status.
Additionally, the PM-KISAN mobile app allows farmers to track applications, update Aadhaar details, and check payment history.
What are the Benefits of PM-KISAN Yojana?
The PM-KISAN scheme has a significant impact on rural India. The benefits include:
- Income Support: Provides small and marginal farmers with a guaranteed source of income.
- Reduction in Loan Dependency: Helps farmers manage expenses without relying on high-interest loans.
- Improved Agricultural Productivity: Enables investment in quality seeds, fertilizers, and farm equipment.
- Boost to Rural Economy: Regular cash inflow increases purchasing power and stimulates local markets.
- Transparent Implementation: Direct transfers reduce leakages, duplication, and corruption.
- Digital Record Maintenance: Centralized beneficiary database ensures accuracy and accountability.
What are the Challenges of PM-KISAN?
Despite its success, PM-KISAN faces certain challenges:
- Limited Financial Support: ₹6,000 per year may not cover all agricultural or household needs.
- Exclusion of Vulnerable Groups: Landless laborers and tenant farmers are not eligible.
- Regional Discrepancies: Some states lag in identifying and including all eligible beneficiaries.
- Delay in Installments: Coordination issues between central and state governments may cause delays.
- Focus on Short-Term Aid: Heavy reliance on cash transfers may divert attention from long-term investments like irrigation, infrastructure, and market development.
How has PM-KISAN Impacted Farmers?
As of 2025:
- Over 11 crore farmers have benefited from the scheme.
- Total disbursement surpassed ₹3.45 lakh crore with 18 installments.
- The scheme has contributed to reducing farmer indebtedness, supporting small farmers, and boosting rural consumption.
- Improved financial security enables farmers to adopt better agricultural practices and maintain household stability.
How does PM-KISAN Support Government Initiatives?
PM-KISAN complements larger government goals such as:
- Doubling Farmers’ Income: By providing a steady cash flow to cover agricultural inputs.
- Enhancing Rural Livelihoods: Financial support boosts household income and consumption.
- Digital Governance: The scheme promotes e-governance with Aadhaar-based DBT and mobile applications.
- Financial Inclusion: Encourages farmers to use formal banking channels.
Key Takeaways
| Key Aspect | Details |
| Full Form | Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN) |
| Launch Date | 24th February 2019 |
| Funding Type | Central Sector Scheme (100% funded by GoI) |
| Annual Assistance | ₹6,000 per eligible farmer family |
| Installments | 3 installments of ₹2,000 each |
| Beneficiary Identification | State Governments/UTs |
| Eligibility | Landholding farmers, cultivable land up to 2 hectares |
| Exclusions | High-income farmers, government employees, professionals, pensioners > ₹10,000 |
| Implementing Agency | Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Total Beneficiaries (2025) | 11 crore farmers |
| Key Objective | Support agricultural expenses, enhance rural income, reduce loan dependency |
Questions Based on PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana
How has PM-KISAN impacted rural India?
a) Increased farmer indebtedness
b) Reduced loan dependency and boosted rural economy
c) Reduced rural consumption
d) Eliminated need for government schemes
e) None of the above
When was PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana officially launched?
a) December 2018
b) 24th February 2019
c) 1st January 2019
d) 15th August 2018
e) 26th January 2019
What is the annual financial assistance provided under PM-KISAN?
a) ₹3,000
b) ₹5,000
c) ₹6,000
d) ₹10,000
e) ₹12,000
How is PM-KISAN assistance transferred to farmers?
a) Cash at government offices
b) Direct Benefit Transfer
c) Post office money order
d) Bank cheques through intermediaries
e) Through NGOs
Which ministry implements PM-KISAN?
a) Ministry of Finance
b) Ministry of Rural Development
c) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
d) Ministry of Home Affairs
e) Ministry of Commerce
Who is NOT eligible for PM-KISAN benefits?
a) Small landholding farmers
b) Retired pensioners drawing ₹15,000/month
c) Farmers with cultivable land
d) Minor farmers
e) All of the above
How many installments are provided under PM-KISAN annually?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4
e) 6
What is the main objective of PM-KISAN?
a) Promote urban employment
b) Provide financial support to small and marginal farmers
c) Develop industrial zones
d) Fund export subsidies
e) Provide pensions to retired employees
Which digital mechanism ensures transparency in PM-KISAN payments?
a) Bank drafts
b) Post office transfers
c) Direct Benefit Transfer via Aadhaar
d) Cash distribution at Gram Panchayats
e) NGO-mediated disbursements
Which category of professionals is excluded from PM-KISAN?
a) Teachers
b) Doctors, engineers, lawyers, CAs, architects
c) Farmers
d) Small traders
e) Self-help group members
Answer Key
| Question No. | Answer | Question No. | Answer |
| 1 | b | 6 | c |
| 2 | c | 7 | b |
| 3 | b | 8 | c |
| 4 | c | 9 | b |
| 5 | b | 10 | b |
Also Read:
FAQs
Ans: All landholding farmers’ families with cultivable land in their names are eligible for benefits under this scheme.
Ans: Eligible families receive a financial benefit of Rs. 6000 per annum, payable in three equal installments of Rs. 2000 each, distributed every four months.
Ans: Exclusions include institutional landholders, farmer families with members holding constitutional or high-ranking government positions, serving or retired government officers and employees, retired pensioners with a monthly pension exceeding Rs. 10,000, individuals who paid Income Tax in the last assessment year, and certain professionals.
Ans: Eligible individuals can apply for the scheme through the UMANG platform or by visiting Common Service Centers (CSCs) offline.
Ans: Applicants need to have an Aadhaar Card, landholding documents, and a savings bank account. Additionally, they may need to provide supporting documents such as land papers, Aadhar, and bank passbook during the application process.
- Mission on Integrated Development of Horticulture NHM and HMNEH
- Swachh Bharat Mission, India’s Journey Towards Cleanliness and Hygiene
- SAGY, A Step Towards Holistic Development of Indian Villages
- One Nation One Ration Card, Ensuring Food Security Across India
- PM-SETU Transforming India’s Industrial Training Institutes
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, Features
Priti Palit, is an accomplished edtech writer with 4+ years of experience in Regulatory Exams and other multiple government exams. With a passion for education and a keen eye for detail, she has contributed significantly to the field of online learning. Priti’s expertise and dedication continue to empower aspiring individuals in their pursuit of success in government examinations.