NEW DELHI, 15 August 2024: Launched in 2019, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme is a central government initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to eligible small and marginal farmers (SMFs) across India.
This scheme recognizes the critical role these farmers play in ensuring national food security and aims to uplift their economic well-being.
Direct Benefit Transfer: A Pillar of PM-KISAN
PM-KISAN operates on a direct benefit transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparent and efficient delivery of financial aid directly to the bank accounts of beneficiary farmers. Under the scheme, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each. This financial support provides much-needed relief for farmers, particularly during lean seasons, allowing them to meet essential household expenses and invest in crucial agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Impact and Beneficiaries
As of July 15, 2024, PM-KISAN has positively impacted a staggering over 11 crore (110 million) farmers across India. This translates to a significant portion of the nation's small and marginal farmer population receiving financial support from the government. The total amount disbursed under the scheme has crossed a remarkable milestone, exceeding ₹2.81 lakh crore (Source: https://pmkisan.gov.in/).
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for PM-KISAN, farmers must meet certain criteria:
Landownership: They must be small and marginal farmers cultivating landholding up to 2 hectares (5 acres).
Citizenship: They must be Indian citizens.
Age: They must be between 18 and 60 years of age. However, there's a provision for spouse inheritance of the benefit in case the farmer spouse is above 60 years of age.
Registration Process
Registration for PM-KISAN can be done through various channels:
Local Revenue Office: Farmers can visit their nearest local revenue office, where officials can assist them with the registration process.
CSCs (Common Service Centers): These village-level digital service centers can help farmers register online.
Self-Registration: Farmers can also register themselves online through the PM-KISAN portal (https://pmkisan.gov.in/) if they have access to the internet and possess the required documents.
Benefits of PM-KISAN
Financial Security: PM-KISAN provides a much-needed financial safety net for small and marginal farmers, especially during periods of income instability.
Improved Household Income: The annual income support helps farmers meet essential household expenses, improving their overall quality of life.
Investment in Agriculture: The financial assistance can be used to invest in agricultural inputs, potentially leading to increased productivity and farm income.
Reduced Dependence on Debt: By providing financial support, PM-KISAN can help reduce farmers' dependence on informal borrowing at high-interest rates.
Challenges and Looking Forward
Despite its significant impact, PM-KISAN faces some challenges. Ensuring timely delivery of benefits, reaching out to small and marginal farmers in remote areas, and addressing issues with land record discrepancies require continued focus.
Moving forward, the scheme's success relies on continuous improvement in its implementation. Streamlining the registration process, enhancing outreach efforts, and leveraging technology for efficient grievance redressal are crucial aspects for further strengthening the program.
PM-KISAN stands as a testament to the Indian government's commitment to supporting the backbone of the nation's economy – its farmers.
By providing direct financial assistance, the scheme empowers small and marginal farmers, fostering their economic well-being and contributing to the overall development of the agricultural sector. As India strives for a more secure and sustainable agricultural future, PM-KISAN is poised to play a vital role in empowering its farmers and ensuring their continued contribution to national food security.
