The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a government scheme launched in February 2019 to provide direct financial support to small and marginal farmers across India. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive 6,000 per year, paid in three instalments of 2,000 each through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.

On August 2, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 20th instalment of PM-KISAN from Varanasi. In this phase, over 9.7 crore farmers across the country will receive approximately 20,500 crore. The DBT method ensures transparency and eliminates any middlemen.

Since its launch, the scheme has transferred around 3.69 lakh crore to farmers through 19 instalments. The 19th instalment was released on February 24, 2025, in Bhagalpur, Bihar, benefitting over 9.8 crore farmers with more than 22,000 crore.

WHAT IS THE OBJECTIVE OF THE SCHEME?

The PM-KISAN scheme aims to

• Support small and marginal farmers (SMFs) financially for crop inputs

• Reduce their dependence on moneylenders during critical farming stages

• Ensure continued participation in agriculture by improving income stability

IMPACT AND ACHIEVEMENTS

• Over 3.69 lakh crore disbursed across 19 instalments

• 1 crore new farmers added in 2023 through the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra

• 25 lakh more farmers added within the first 100 days of the new government in June 2024

• During the 18th instalment, Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of beneficiaries (over 2.25 crore), followed by Bihar (over 75 lakh)

• The scheme has benefited over 85% of Indian farmers, most of whom own less than two hectares of land. It helps them with sowing, harvesting, and essential expenses, offering both economic relief and dignity.

HOW TECHNOLOGY POWERS THE SCHEME

PM-KISAN uses India’s digital backbench including Aadhaar, Jan Dhan accounts, and mobile connectivity, to make the process seamless. Key tech developments include

• PM-KISAN Mobile App (launched in 2020) for registrations, status checks, and updates

• Face Authentication feature (added in 2023) allows farmers to complete e-KYC remotely

• Over 5 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) onboarded to help with registrations

• Grievance redressal system integrated into the web portal

• AI chatbot ‘Kisan-eMitra’, launched in September 2023, helps farmers with instant answers in local languages, enabled by Bhashini

• Farmers can even assist 100 others with e-KYC in their communities

• State officials can complete e-KYC for up to 500 farmers

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR ENROLMENT

To register under PM-KISAN, farmers need

• Name and date of birth (self or spouse)

• Bank account number and IFSC/MICR code

• Mobile number

• Aadhaar number

• Other bank passbook details for mandate registration

• Additionally, India Post Payment Bank offers services to link/update mobile numbers with Aadhaar to help farmers complete e-KYC.

WHY PM-KISAN MATTERS

Beyond financial aid, PM-KISAN gives farmers security, confidence, and independence. It has helped them:

• Buy better seeds or farming equipment

• Support children’s education

• Pay for medical needs or family events

• Feel included in the nation’s progress

• The scheme is not just about money; it’s a symbol of trust and empowerment.

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