PM-Kisan: A Comprehensive Guide to India’s Flagship Farmer Welfare Scheme

Introduction

India, with over 60% of its population dependent on agriculture, has long prioritized the welfare of farmers through various government schemes and policies. Among these, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) stands out as a landmark initiative. Launched in 2019, this central sector scheme is a direct benefit transfer (DBT) mechanism that provides income support to eligible farmers across India.

The PM-Kisan scheme reflects the government's commitment to improving rural income, enhancing agricultural productivity, and ensuring economic justice to small and marginal farmers. In this in-depth blog post, we will explore every facet of the PM-Kisan scheme — from its objectives and eligibility to implementation, benefits, and real-world impact.

What is PM-Kisan?

Overview of the Scheme

The PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana was launched on 24th February 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance of ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmer families, paid in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each every four months.

This income support is credited directly to the bank accounts of the farmers to ensure transparency and eliminate middlemen.

Objective of the Scheme

The primary objectives of the PM-Kisan scheme are:

• To supplement the financial needs of small and marginal farmers

• To enable them to procure inputs related to agriculture and allied activities

• To ensure better crop health and yield

• To improve the overall economic condition of the farming community

Eligibility Criteria and Exclusions

Who Can Apply?

Farmers from both rural and urban areas are eligible to apply under PM-Kisan, provided they meet the following basic criteria:

• Landholding farmers’ families with cultivable land up to 2 hectares (initially; later expanded to all farmers regardless of landholding size)

• Ownership of land must be recorded in the official land records

• The scheme applies to all states and Union Territories, except West Bengal (initially, now included)

Who Are Excluded?

Certain categories of individuals are excluded from availing the PM-Kisan benefits, including:

• Institutional landholders

• Serving or retired officers and employees of government departments, PSUs, and autonomous bodies

• Income taxpayers

• Professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, chartered accountants, and architects

PM-Kisan Eligibility vs. Exclusion Criteria

How PM-Kisan Works

Registration Process

To register for the PM-Kisan scheme, farmers can follow these steps:

1. Visit the official portal https://pmkisan.gov.in

2. Click on “New Farmer Registration”

3. Enter Aadhaar details and verify mobile number

4. Provide land record details and bank account information

5. Submit the form for state-level verification

Alternatively, farmers can register through:

• Common Service Centers (CSCs)

• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)

• Local revenue offices

Verification and Disbursement

Once registered, applications undergo:

• State-level verification of land and identity documents

• Central verification via Aadhaar and bank details

• Funds are disbursed directly to the linked bank account in 3 installments annually

Documents Required for PM-Kisan Registration

1. Aadhaar Card

2. Land ownership documents (Khasra-Khatauni)

3. Bank account passbook

4. Mobile number

5. Address proof (Voter ID/Ration Card)

Installment Schedule and Status

Payment Timeline

PM-Kisan installments are distributed as follows:

• First Installment: April to July

• Second Installment: August to November

• Third Installment: December to March

Each installment amounts to ₹2,000, totaling ₹6,000 annually.

Checking Payment Status

Farmers can check their payment status on the official PM-Kisan portal:

1. Go to https://pmkisan.gov.in

2. Click on “Beneficiary Status”

3. Enter Aadhaar number or mobile number

4. View installment and payment information

PM-Kisan Installment Dates and Amounts

Impact and Achievements

Reach and Coverage

As of 2024, PM-Kisan has achieved the following milestones:

• Over 12 crore farmers have been registered

• More than ₹2.6 lakh crore disbursed to beneficiaries

• Coverage includes 99% rural households in agriculture

• Digital verification ensures high transparency

Benefits to Farmers

The PM-Kisan scheme offers several direct and indirect benefits:

• Provides financial stability to low-income farmers

• Reduces dependency on informal credit sources

• Empowers farmers to buy seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs

• Promotes self-reliance in agriculture

• Encourages digital access and banking inclusion

Major Achievements of PM-Kisan Scheme

1. ₹2.6 lakh crore disbursed to farmers directly

2. Successfully transitioned to 100% Aadhaar-enabled payments

3. Benefited women farmers and smallholders especially

4. Incorporated into broader Digital India and Jan Dhan missions

5. Recognized by international organizations for scale and efficiency

Criticism and Challenges

Common Criticisms

Despite its success, the PM-Kisan scheme has faced some criticisms:

• Exclusion errors where eligible farmers are left out due to bureaucratic delays

• Limited amount of ₹6,000 per year is not enough to cover rising input costs

• Technological barriers for illiterate farmers to access portals

• Slow verification process in some states

Government Response

The government has taken measures to address these challenges:

• Strengthening integration with DigiLocker and land record portals

• Improving helpline centers and CSC outreach

• Launching PM-Kisan mobile app for easier access

• Regular monitoring through district and state nodal officers

Future of PM-Kisan

Upcoming Reforms

To further strengthen the scheme, the following reforms are expected:

• Inclusion of tenant and sharecroppers in future installments

• Increased financial assistance based on crop diversity or state-wise cost

• Use of satellite data and GIS for land mapping

• More integration with agri-tech startups and input suppliers

Long-Term Vision

The long-term goal is to make PM-Kisan a comprehensive farmer support system, integrating:

• Crop insurance

• Soil health cards

• Subsidy disbursals

• Market linkages

• Weather advisory services

By converging digital infrastructure, farmer education, and financial support, PM-Kisan aspires to be a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Krishi (Self-Reliant Agriculture).

Conclusion

The PM-Kisan scheme represents a bold step toward inclusive agricultural growth and economic empowerment of India’s farmers. Though not without its challenges, the scheme has provided vital income support to millions and stands as a model for direct cash transfer programs globally.

As the scheme evolves, its impact is expected to deepen — touching every corner of rural India and aligning with the broader vision of Doubling Farmers' Income by 2025. With reforms, digital integration, and sustained government commitment, PM-Kisan is poised to be not just a scheme but a lifeline for Indian agriculture.